The Effect of Acclimatization Time on Heart Rate

Hiking and climbing in high mountains are becoming very popular during the last decade. High mountain climbing is mainly in the domain of skilled alpinists. On the other hand hiking is often organized by trekking agencies which took unskilled clients to very high mountains. The aim of the presents study is to emphasis the importance of the process of acclimatization to high altitude. Two students of Faculty of sport in Ljubljana participated in the study: one with long end the second one with short acclimatization time. The effects were monitored with heart rate measurement in rest and during the step test. Measurements were conduct before and after the acclimatization, at two locations: high altitude simulation chamber in Ljubljana and real altitude in Elbrus, Kavkaz, both at 2100 m. The results showed that heart rate decreased with longer acclimatization time. Heart rate at person A was lower for eighteen beats per minute in rest and for sixteen beats per minute during the step test. Heart rate at person B was almost unchanged after the acclimatization time. If the process of acclimatization is not proper and long enough it can cause altitude sickness and even endanger life. To avoid that, people should be aware of the changes in their body and should be careful about how they feel. If we could add an objective parameter, like heart rate it would be even better.