Objective: 

The effects of high altitude on humans are considerable, starting from as low as 1300 m above sea level. Usually by 2000 m, they will experience more fatigue, and a greater potential for dehydration.Altitude also affects individuals differently.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate regular exercise on hematologic and blood rheologic properties on subjects who had been living at mid-altitude.

Methods: 

Venous blood samples were obtained from 21 sedentary and 23 regularly trained male, who stayed for a long time at 2300 m.Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrite, red blood cells (RBCs), MCV, MCH and MCHC were measured by using an electronic particle counter. RBC deformability was measured by Rheodyne SSD. Aggregation measurements were done by an aggregometer. Osmotic RBC fragility was determined in a series of NaCl solution by spectrophotometer.

Results: 

Hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC) and erythrocyte deformability indices of trained subjects were almost identical to those of sedentary ones, except the hematocrite values which were higher in the trained group than the sedentary group. But erythrocyte aggregation index (M1) and osmotic fragility values were lower in the trained subjects.

Conclusions: 

As a result, moderate exercise when living at mid-altitude causes increased hematocrite values probably due to dehydration, as well as lower erythrocyte aggregation and osmotic fragility. But other hematologic parameters and erythrocyte deformability indices do not change significantly. If you live at higher altitudes, your body has long-term adaptation to altitude that allows easily compensate for the lack of oxygen by regular exercising.