[The effects of chronic hypobaric conditions: skeletal, muscular, and other phenotypic characteristics in high altitude dwellers].

Many studies have concentrated on investigating the effects of short and medium term hypobaric conditions in people living at low altitudes. In contrast, only little is known about long term or genetic adaptations to chronic hypobaric conditions in people living at high altitudes. A small number of phenotypic characteristics have been defined in these people so far, comprising hormonal functions, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, skeletal growth, muscular morphology and function, cardiovascular functions, and fluid and electrolyte changes. Several of these characteristics have been attributed to genetic adaptations. However, so far, no specific genes coding for any of the specific phenotypes found in high altitude dwellers have been detected.