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Hypoxia Altitude Simulation Test^*

^* From the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Correspondence to: Mary E. Kreider, MD, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 828 Gates Building, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104; e-mail: Kreiderm{at}mail.med.upenn.edu

Abstract

A large number of patients with underlying pulmonary disease travel by air each year and are therefore at risk for significant cardiopulmonary effects of induced hypoxia at higher altitudes. The hypoxia altitude simulation test provides a simple way to identify those patients at risk by simulating conditions encountered at high altitude. By asking the patient to breathe a mixture of gases with an oxygen saturation of 15.1%, the test simulates a cabin pressure of 8,000 feet and allows the physician to screen for hypoxia, significant symptoms, and arrhythmias. Repeating the test with supplemental oxygen ensure adequate treatment of those patients who have a decrease in the alveolar pressure of oxygen, significant symptoms, and/or arrhythmias.

Key Words: altitude • COPD • hypoxia • pulmonary diseases • pulmonary function tests • oxygen inhalation therapy

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