title: Austrian Moderate Altitude Study 2000 (AMAS 2000). The effects of moderate altitude (1,700 m) on cardiovascular and metabolic variables in patients with metabolic syndrome.
abstract: We investigated the changes in the cardiovascular system [resting blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), measured by means of a 24-h ambulatory BP and a holter-electrocardiogram (ECG)], glycemic parameters, and lipid metabolism of subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome during a 3-week sojourn at 1,700 m in the Austrian Alps. A total of 22 male subjects with metabolic syndrome were selected. Baseline investigations were performed at Innsbruck (500 m above sea level). During the 3-week altitude stay the participants simulated a holiday with moderate sports activities. Examinations were performed on days 1, 4, 9, and 19. After returning to Innsbruck, post-altitude examinations were conducted after 7-10 days and 6-7 weeks, respectively. The 24-h ambulatory BP and holter ECG revealed a decrease in average HR, BP, and rate pressure product (RPP: systolic blood pressure x HR) after 3 weeks of altitude exposure. In some patients, an increase in premature ventricular beats was observed at the end compared to the beginning of the exposure to moderate altitude. The ECG revealed no ischemic ST-segment changes. Maximal physical capacity as measured by symptom-limited maximal cycle ergometry tests remained unchanged during the study. Six weeks after the altitude exposure the blood pressure increased again and returned to pretest levels. The Homeostasis Model Assessment index, which is a measure of insulin resistance, decreased significantly and glucose concentrations obtained after an oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower after the stay at altitude compared to the basal values. We conclude that after a 3-week exposure to moderate altitude, patients with metabolic syndrome (1) tolerated their sojourn without any physical problems, (2) exhibited short-term favorable effects on the cardiovascular system, and (3) had significant improvements in glycemic parameters that were paralleled by a significant increase in high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol.
authors.affiliation: Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine und Chirurgische Intensivmedizin der Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schobersberger
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lechleitner
authors.forename: Serge P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: von Duvillard
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hörtnagl
authors.forename: Hanns-Christian
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Gunga
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klingler
authors.forename: Dietmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fries
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kirsch
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spiesberger
authors.forename: Rochus
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pokan
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Fritz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hoppichler
authors.forename: Gebhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riedmann
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baumgartner
authors.forename: Egon
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Humpeler
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000531:Altitude; D001317:Austria; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D003971:Diastole; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013599:Systole
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; D007328:Insulin; C048900:hemoglobin, glycerated