title: Electrocardiogram at an altitude of 3600 m with reference to T wave depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exposure to high altitude decreases arterial oxygen saturation (Sa(O2)). Previous studies have shown decreased voltage of the T wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG) at altitudes up to 7000 m (22,966 ft) secondary to hypoxia. This pilot study explored changes in the ECG at the maximum altitude pilots can fly without supplemental oxygen. In addition, this is a common altitude for recreational trekkers.
  
  
  METHODS
  There were 13 subjects who rested at sea level (1ATA) for 30 min and then were taken to an altitude of 3000 m or 3600 m (10,000 or 12,000 ft; at altitude) where they rested for 30 min. ECG was collected continuously as was Sa(O2) and heart rate (HR). A series of 10 ECG complexes were analyzed for 7 time periods over the 30-min collection periods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The P wave, PR, QRS, and QT interval duration did not show a significant difference between 1 ATA and at altitude for the group of subjects analyzed (N = 11 ). The T wave amplitude showed a significant decrease (delta = -19.3%) for seven subjects at altitude; however, the other six subjects did not show a significant change (delta = 1.6%). The T wave amplitude observations described above were consistent for average HRs and selected HRs that were equal between 1 ATA and at altitude.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirmed that some subjects showed decreased T wave amplitude at altitude which was not associated with pulmonary function, HR, ventilation, end-tidal CO2, or Sa(O2).
authors.forename: Kevin R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Hannon
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Pendergast
authors.forename: Harold C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Strauss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult