Highs and lows of sympathetic neurocardiovascular transduction: influence of altitude acclimatization and adaptation
Lindsey F. Berthelsen, Graham Fraser, Lydia L. Simpson, Emily R. Vanden Berg, Stephen A. Busch, Andrew R. Steele, Victoria L. Meah, Justin S. Lawley, Rómulo Figueroa‐Mujíca, Gustavo Vizcardo‐Galindo, Francisco C. Villafuerte, Chris Gasho, Christopher K. Willie, Michael M. Tymko, Philip N. Ainslie, Mike Stembridge, Jonathan P. Moore, Craig D. Steinback
Abstract
This study has identified that sympathetically mediated blood pressure regulation is reduced following ascent to high-altitude. Additionally, we show that high altitude Andean natives have reduced blood pressure responsiveness to sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) compared with Nepalese Sherpa. However, basal sympathetic activity is inversely related to the magnitude of SNA-mediated fluctuations in blood pressure regardless of population or condition. These data set a foundation to explore more precise mechanisms of blood pressure control under conditions of persistent sympathetic activation and hypoxia.