CALCIUM-ANTAGONIST TREATMENT AND CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPONSES TO A COLD PRESSOR TEST AT HIGH-ALTITUDE

Objective: We assessed the effects of the calcium antagonist felodipin e on blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and cardiovascular responses to a cold presser test at an altitude of 5200 m. Sixteen hea lthy climbers participated. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, random ized, crossover design was used. Placebo or felodipine were taken for 2 days and the treatment was changed after 3 days washout. Results. Du ring felodipine treatment there were no significant changes in blood p ressure (125/89 vs 127/86 mmHg), heart rate (82 vs 81 beats . min(-1)) or oxygen saturation (86% vs 86%). Moreover, there were no changes in the cardiovascular responses to the cold presser test. Conclusion: Fe lodipine is well tolerated at high altitude. It does not induce hypote nsion in normotensive men and does not affect cardiovascular reactivit y to cold stress.