Effects of temporary stay at high altitude (Darjeeling) on physiological health parameters among college-going girls in Murshidabad District of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: Short-term exposure to high altitude (acute exposure) causes the body to experience hypoxia, or a reduced supply of oxygen. In response, the cardio-respiratory system undergoes several immediate changes to try to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues. The present study was undertaken to examine and compare the physiological parameters of young college girls residing at sea level and high altitude. The investigation aimed to evaluate the influence of altitude-related environmental conditions on various physiological responses, including cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Methods: About 48 college girls aged 19–22 years voluntarily participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, including height, body weight, and body mass index, were recorded for all participants. Physiological parameters such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, peak expiratory flow rate, oxygen saturation, etc., were measured under both sea level and high altitude conditions. The sea-level assessments were conducted in Berhampore, West Bengal, India, whereas the high-altitude measurements were carried out in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, at two time points: 1 hour after arrival and 24 hours after arrival, to examine physiological adaptations associated with acute exposure to high altitude. Results: Anthropometric measurements showed that the mean BMI value of these girls is 21.30 ± 3.08 kg/m2. About 75% of the students had a healthy weight, while about 16.67% were underweight. Moreover, acute exposure to high altitude (1 hour after arrival in Darjeeling) resulted in significant changes in physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and peak expiratory flow rate, when compared with the values recorded at sea level. However, after 24 hours at high altitude, these altered physiological parameters tended to return to levels observed at sea level. Conclusion: The study found that acute exposure to high altitude, assessed 1 hour after arrival in Darjeeling, produced significant alterations in physiological parameters. The reduced air density and decreased airway resistance at high altitude, which can facilitate expiratory airflow and influence cardiorespiratory function. Furthermore, after 24 hours of exposure, the altered parameters tended to approach values recorded at sea level, suggesting the onset of early physiological acclimatization and adaptive responses to the high-altitude environment.