Accurate statistics about the incidence of AMS are hard to come by because many cases are relatively mild and often go unreported. However, recent studies have begun to shed some light on this mysterious syndrome. This article provides a basic overview of AMS, including its manifestations and several recent research findings. To help reduce the impact AMS can have on our clients, snowsports instructors should be able to recognize its signs and symptoms. Since most symptoms of AMS are alleviated by prompt descent to lower altitude, blood oxygen levels definitely play a key role.
Blood delivers life-sustaining oxygen to the body's cells.
At sea level, the blood of healthy individuals can reach 96 percent of its oxygen capacity, a measurement known as mean arterial oxygen saturation. But between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, oxygen saturation drops down to 80 percent, which almost always produces substantial adverse physiological effects in a person not acclimatized to the altitude. Lower oxygen saturation means that less oxygen is transported to our cells, causing a decrease in aerobic metabolism. That few thousand feet above 10,000 is really where the critical drop in oxygen saturation occurs. Those who remain at altitude, particularly over 10,000 feet, may experience increased shortness of breath, a dry cough, wheezing, increased weakness, and rapid pulse.