Altitude sickness laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) is characterised by polycythemia (increased hematocrit) and hypoxemia which both decrease on descent from altitude. CMS is believed to arise because of an excessive production of red blood cells, which increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood [2] but may cause increased blood viscosity and uneven blood flow through the lungs (V/Q mismatch). However, CMS is also considered an adaptation of pulmonary and heart disease to life under chronic hypoxia at altitude.[3]