Dynamic Electrocardiography at High Altitude

Abstract

THE purposes of this report are several. Principally we are interested in determining the effects of high altitude on a normal heart as measured by a continuously recorded electrocardiogram. More specifically, our purposes are (1) to record the effects on the electrocardiogram of activities ranging from sleep to strenuous physical exertion involved in mountain climbing, (2) to compare electrocardiograph records of some of these activities at sea level with similar records obtained at high altitude (11,000 to 14,255 feet *), and (3) to describe a practical technique for dynamic electrocardiography under a wide range of atmospheric and climatic conditions. It is hoped that this technique will be of use to others interested in the effects of high altitude on the heart. The method could be used to study mountaineers climbing at extremely high altitudes or to monitor day to day activities of inhabitants and visitors to altitudes at or near those