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.

Maximum Voluntary Ventilation in a Population Residing at 2,240 Meters Above Sea Level.

Background: Measured maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) correlates with maximum ventilatory capacity during exercise. As a shortcut, MVV is often estimated by multiplying measured FEV times 35 or 40, but this index varies with altitude due to reduced air density. The objective was to describe MVV in healthy individuals residing at 2,240 m above sea level and compare it with the reference values customarily employed.