MEDIA ADVISORY: Why Do Everest Climbers Matter To Patients Near Sea Level?

MEDIA ADVISORY: Why Do Everest Climbers Matter To Patients Near Sea Level?

By
Dana Sparks

May 3, 2012

: Mt. Everest Base Camp Photo by Andy Bardon

Mayo Clinic’s Mount Everest expedition is exploring heart problems, sleep apnea, muscle wasting, calorie burning and other health issues faced by patients and high-altitude climbers alike. The work Mayo researchers are currently doing with climbers on the mountain has practical and conceptual tie-ins to many other projects at Mayo Clinic.

Experts are available for interviews on how the Everest research applies to their specialties:

Energy expenditure and obesity

-- James Levine, M.D., Ph.D.

Physiology of patients and extreme athletes -- Michael Joyner, M.D.

Cardiac problems -- Lyle Olson, M.D.

Muscle wasting -- Sree Nair, M.D., Ph.D.

Altitude sickness, travel medicine, aerospace medicine -- Clayton Cowl, M.D.

Aerospace medicine, altitude issues with F-22s -- Lawrence Steinkraus, M.D.

Sleep disorders, pulmonary and critical care medicine -- Eric Olson, M.D.

Click here for entire media advisory.

For an interview with any of these experts, please contact Bob Nellis at 507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.