This study involved human volunteers undertaking a high-altitude expedition. It assessed changes in physiological parameters of relevance to high-altitude cardiopulmonary physiology. Participants included a subgroup of those taking part in an existing adventurous training expedition and were randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive either intravenous iron or normal saline several weeks prior to departure. During the expedition, participants were investigated by means of transthoracic echocardiography, peripheral oxygen saturation measurement and heart rate monitoring and through the drawing of venous blood samples. Bloods were later analysed for markers of iron status.
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Change in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in time from pulmonary valve opening to peak pulmonary flow velocity with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in left ventricular stroke volume (LV SV) with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in left ventricular index of myocardial performance (LIMP) with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in right ventricular index of myocardial performance (RIMP) with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in tissue Doppler velocity of the Right Ventricle (RV) and Left Ventricle (LV); units: cm/s, with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in tricuspid annulus planar systolic excursion (TAPSE) with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)
Change in right and left ventricular strain with altitude
Timeframe: Measurement performed at baseline (2 weeks prior to commencing ascent to very high altitude) and at intervals during ascent to very high altitude (over a period of 2 weeks)