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New study on Viagra: Top drug for HAPE?
Feb 1, 2005 21: 00 EST
Already early last year, ExWeb's BaseCampMD Luanne Freer reported on promising
effects of Viagra at altitude.
Now a new study with the results to appear in the February issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine confirms the findings.
HAPE: Mortality rate of 44%
Seems that Viagra is promising to become a top drug at altitude for HAPE (pulmonary edema). With a mortality rate of 44% if untreated, according to researchers, HAPE is triggered by intense physical exertion at high altitudes.
10,000 feet ascent in one day
The recent study included a bunch of guys in their thirties, who spent only one day in Chamonix at 1000 meters and next were dropped almost 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) higher to Observatoire Vallot, located just below the summit of Mont Blanc, where they stayed for 5 days, reports WebMD.
Blood pressure 6% lower at altitude than at sea level
Half received Viagra, 40 milligrams three times a day. All became altitude sick. But after one or two days, the Viagra group's blood pressure started to normalize. By the sixth day, it was 6% lower than before the experiment.
20% higher for placebo group
But for the placebo group, it remained high, leveling off about 21% higher than normal. More studies should be done to see if Viagra can replace the current treatment (calcium-channel blockers or steroids) to treat HAPE, say the researchers. source:-http://www.mounteverest.net | 
