Arterial Blood Gases in Normal Subjects at 2240 Meters Above Sea Level: Impact of Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index.

Background: The values of arterial blood gases (ABG) change with altitude above sea level; empirical verification is essential because ventilatory acclimatization varies with ethnicity and a population's adaptation.

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe ABG in a healthy population residing at 2,240 meters above sea level, to identify the mean level of alveolar ventilation (PaCO), and to know whether a progressive increase in PaCO occurs with age and the impact of increasing body mass index (BMI).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a referral center for respiratory diseases in Mexico City.

Inspiratory Capacity and Vital Capacity of Healthy Subjects 9-81 Years of Age at Moderate-High Altitude.

Background: Measurements of inspiratory capacity (IC) and vital capacity (VC) are used to recognize dynamic hyperinflation, but appropriate reference values are required to achieve accurate clinical interpretations. Altitude above sea level is a potential determining factor for lung volumes, including IC and VC.

Objective: To describe IC and VC for healthy people who live in Mexico City at an altitude of 2,240 m above sea level.