Operation Everest II: Resistance and susceptibility to chronic hypoxia in man

Abstract

The combined studies from Operation Everest II and from certain high mountain expeditions emphasize that all organs are not equal in their resistance to severe prolonged hypoxia. The findings should direct future studies of chronic, low altitude hypoxia toward the brain and lung. Hopefully the high altitude work will help clinicians to appreciate the graduated susceptibility of tissues in various diseases causing hypoxia at sea level.