Key result
Beta-blocker use is linked to lower arterial oxygen saturation during altitude exercise in elderly mountaineers.
Why the study?
The frequency of therapeutic beta-blocker use in elderly mountaineers and its effects on exercise response at moderate altitudes were unknown.
Does beta-blocker therapy alter physiological exercise response during acute moderate altitude exposure in elderly mountaineers?
Observational
No
Does beta-blocker therapy alter physiological exercise response during acute moderate altitude exposure in elderly mountaineers?
Beta-blocker use in elderly mountaineers may provoke oxygen desaturation and increased cardiac workload during submaximal exercise at moderate altitudes.
May warrant SpO2 monitoring in elderly on beta-blockers at moderate altitude; leaves open effects on outcomes or need for alternatives.
Frequency of therapeutic beta-blocker use in elderly mountaineers is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this field study was to measure the regular beta-blocker intake in elderly persons visiting moderate altitudes. In a subset of mountaineers on beta-blockers, exercise response at two different altitude levels was compared to matched controls. The observed frequency of beta-blocked persons among the interviewed elderly mountaineers (age >35) was 7%, mainly (65%) due to hypertension. In subjects taking beta-blockers, arterial oxygen saturation (84 +/- 6% vs. 90 +/- 3%, p < 0.05) was decreased and heart rate (120 +/- 17 bpm vs. 112 +/- 14 bpm, p = 0.01), rate pressure product (22,192 +/- 6459 vs. 17,576 +/- 4010, p < 0.05), and ratings of perceived exertion (14 +/- 3 vs. 12 +/- 3, p < 0.05) were increased during a submaximal step test at 2311 m compared to 1480 m. Mountaineers without beta-blocker intake showed no changes. Although the epidemiological data have to be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size and the limitation to a single geographical site, a large number of beta-blocked persons visiting high altitudes was observed. If confirmed in further studies, the increased heart work and exertion could indicate a reduced exercise tolerance of people taking beta-blockers during acute high altitude exposure.
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Faulhaber et al. (2003) conducted an observational in elderly mountaineers. Beta-blocker intake vs. Matched controls without beta-blocker intake was evaluated on Arterial oxygen saturation during a submaximal step test at 2311 m compared to 1480 m (p=<0.05). Beta-blocker use in elderly mountaineers was associated with decreased arterial oxygen saturation (84% vs 90%, p<0.05) during submaximal exercise at 2311 m compared to 1480 m.
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