Mayo Clinic Research Team Headed for Mount Everest

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic physiologists have left Rochester, Minn., on the first leg of their journey to Mount Everest where they will conduct research and collect data on extreme athletes making an ascent on the peak via two routes. The Mayo group will monitor up to nine climbers from base camp for the duration of the climb, which will run to mid-May. Their studies will provide knowledge that will help heart patients, as well as extreme athletes. See Mayo Clinic Studies Climbers on Everest to Help Heart Patients at Home.

The climbing expedition is funded by National Geographic and The North Face, with support from Montana State University.

For background on the medical expedition and ongoing reports on its progress, the public may follow Twitter at #MayoClinic #onEverest.

We welcome the media to follow the scientific expedition over the next month.
The Mayo Clinic News Network will offer a regular posting of video, pictures and information via its portal.

Media Contact: Robert Nellis, 507-284-5005 (days), newsbureau@mayo.edu