1987 Volume 15 Issue 3 Pages 747-751
Hematocrit (Ht), platelet aggregability, plasma 6-keto PG F1α, and TXB2 of 9 Japanese climbers were investigated at 4, 700m high B. C. before and after peak (6, 794m)-attack in the area of western Tibet compared with at sea level control. Ht was increased up to 76.4% (mean) at 4, 700m, and showed 80.8% (mean) after peak-attack. Platelet aggregability was transiently increased when reaching at high altitude. Plasma 6-keto PG F1α and TXB2 was also increased at high altitude.
Although it is well known that man showed hemoconcentration and hypercoagulation tendency staying at high altitude due to hypoxia, there has never been the report of human platelet aggregability. Hyperaggregability of platelet at high altitude is worthy of note with special reference to coagulopathic condition of the brain and other organ during the high altitude mountaineering.
