Acronym for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, the accumulation in the
lungs of extravascular fluid (fluid outside of blood vessels) at high altitude,
a consequence of rapid altitude ascent, especially when that ascent is accompanied
by significant exercise.
HAPE leads to dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, tachycardia (fast heart rate)
and decreased arterial oxygen levels. HAPE varies in degree from very mild to potentially
fatal.
Some people may be genetically susceptible to HAPE. People who develop HAPE have
smaller lungs, higher pulmonary artery pressures, and higher pulmonary artery wedge
pressures during exercise at sea level than those who do not develop HAPE.
The incidence of HAPE has been analyzed in a prospective study of people climbing
a 4500-meter mountain. 15% of climbers had clearcut evidence of HAPE from examination
of the chest (by stethoscope or X-ray) after their climb. There is probably a risk
of HAPE for most climbers if the rate of ascent and degree of physical effort are
great enough. (Lancet Jan. 24, 2002).
The planning and pacing of ascents is of critical importance. HAPE tends to be
less frequent on well-planned ascents to much greater heights, despite the greater
degree of hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels).
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
