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Therapeutic Research
- Authors: Keisuke Okamura1, et al.
Abstract
Objective:Hypoxia can occur while flying in an aircraft. Hypoxia activates the sympathetic nervous system and renin‒aldosterone system. We investigated the relationship between changes of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation and the altitude, cabin temperature, and cabin pressure during commercial flight. Methods:Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured every 10 minutes during commercial flight. Data from the outward and homeward journeys were averaged for the following periods:before takeoff, ascending, level flight, descending, and after landing. Comparisons were made with before takeoff by the paired t‒test. Materials:Four healthy medical staff. Results:Oxygen saturation was significantly lower while ascending(96.0±1.5%), in level flight (93.9±1.4%), and while descending(96.7±0.8%)(p<0.005, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively)compared with before takeoff(97.9±0.6%). Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure showed no significant changes. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower while ascending(77.2±21.7 mmHg), in level flight(78.1±17.1 mmHg), and while descending(79.4±16.9 mmHg)(p<0.05, p<0.005, and p<0.01, respectively)compared with before takeoff(85.6±15.2 mmHg). Heart rate was significantly lower while descending(79.7±5.3/min)(p<0.05)compared with before takeoff (88.7±8.1/min). Blood pressure decreased markedly after ingestion of a hot drink in 2 subjects. Conclusion:Although oxygen saturation was significantly reduced during flight, blood pressure did not increase, but rather showed a significant decrease. Blood pressure changes were slight in healthy volunteers, but caution regarding a potential excessive decrease may be required.
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