Stress Situations
Activities which require participants to be in an atmosphere of high or low barometric pressure place particular stresses on the cardiopulmonary system. We have a range of tests for accurate physiological risk-assessment in these environments.
Fit-to-Fly
Patients with heart failure, ischaemic disease, COPD and other disparate conditions are often refused travel insurance or offered expensive premiums on travel insurance on account of the risk of long-haul flights for patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. The fit-to-fly test specifically replicates the conditions of a pressurised aircraft cabin through reduced partial pressure of oxygen.
We measure physiological stress indicators (ECG, SaO2 etc) under a condition of 15% oxygen (simulated by a reduced oxygen supply to the subject’s face mask), to monitor whether this environment provides an acceptable level of cardiopulmonary stress for the patient. The test involves being seated for ~45minutes. Drinks and in-flight movie not provided!
Fit-to-Dive
Diving offers a unique physiological challenge. It places unprecedented stress on the respiratory and cardiac systems and is a harsh environment. The fit-to-dive tests accurately assess the cardiopulmonary fitness to undertake this challenge. Using a combination of tests (bubble contrast echocardiogram, lung function etc) we are able to assess whether this environment will cause physiological abnormalities to become manifest (patent foramen ovale, pulmonary hypertension etc).
Fit-to-Climb
Climbing places unique physical demands on the body. Climbing at Alpine and higher atmospheric levels requires the participant to undertake high-level physical stress in an environment of low atmospheric pressure. Our Fit-to-Climb tests are specifically designed to examine climber’s physical preparedness of these challenges, often by simulating climbing in a lower atmosphere environment. These tests are equally applicable for high-altitude skiers.
