Document Detail


Elevation of serum cholesterol at high altitude and its relationship to hematocrit.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  11990116     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The positive relationship between hematocrit and serum cholesterol may be due to dilution. Accordingly, high hematocrits would yield reduced serum pools for dilution of cholesterol, thus producing higher levels. To test this effect, the relationships between hematocrit and cholesterol were evaluated at low-altitude and high-altitude clinics. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted at Madison, WI (264 m) and Leadville, CO (3105 m) to identify family practice patients who underwent hematocrit and serum cholesterol determinations on the same day. We excluded patients with medical conditions or on medications that affect cholesterol, patients with high glucose and triglyceride levels, and patients with extreme cholesterol levels. Remaining patients (153 in each altitude group) were matched by age and sex. The mean hematocrits and cholesterol levels were compared using analysis of variance. The linear relationships between hematocrit and cholesterol were compared using analysis of covariance. The mean hematocrit was significantly higher at high altitude (47.5% versus 41.3%; p < 0.0005) as were the mean serum cholesterol (190 mg/dL versus 177 mg/dL; p < 0.002) and the low-density lipoprotein:high-density lipoprotein ratio (2.80 versus 2.27; p < 0.05). Whereas a significant, positive relationship existed between hematocrit and cholesterol at low altitude (2.15 mg/dL per %; p < 0.002), no such relationship was found at high altitude. Hematocrit and serum cholesterol were elevated for family practice patients living at high altitudes. Differences exist between altitudes in the relationship between hematocrit and cholesterol. Acclimatization to high altitude and its resultant erythropoiesis may increase serum cholesterol levels. Consequently, relocation to a high altitude may increase the risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Authors:
J L Temte
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Case Reports; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Wilderness & environmental medicine     Volume:  7     ISSN:  1080-6032     ISO Abbreviation:  Wilderness Environ Med     Publication Date:  1996 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2002-05-06     Completed Date:  2002-06-04     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9505185     Medline TA:  Wilderness Environ Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  216-24     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 5371, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acclimatization*
Adult
Altitude*
Anoxia / blood*,  epidemiology
Case-Control Studies
Cholesterol / blood*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hematocrit*
Humans
Male
Medical Records
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Wisconsin / epidemiology
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
57-88-5/Cholesterol

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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