Blood and haemostasis

Abstract

This chapter deals with oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and haemostasis. It focuses on the effects of intermittent exposure to hypoxia on red blood cell mass, particularly in the various settings used by athletes. Furthermore, mechanisms of neocytolysis occurring on descent from high altitude are discussed, as well as mechanisms accounting for a rapid decline of erythropoietin serum levels during persistent hypoxia, whilst increased erythropoiesis is maintained. Different strategies of adaptation to chronic hypoxia with regard to haemoglobin and oxygenation of the Andean, Ethiopian and Tibetan populations are discussed in the light of recent findings of genetic mutations in these populations. The review on haemostasis includes studies on platelets, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in acute and chronic exposure to hypoxia and the discussion of potential mechanisms of activation of blood coagulation at altitudes above 4,000 m.