[Functional and metabolic changes in the heart during the adaptation of the body to high altitude hypoxia].

The study was carried out using 140 rabbits adapted to different altitudes (1000 m, 2000 m and 3250 m above sea level) for various times (from 2 days to 2 months). In the course of adaptation to high altitude hypoxia immediate adaptive changes (systemic, central hemodynamics, coronary circulation, cardiac electrical stability) and profound structural changes that formed the foundation of long-term adaptation (metabolic and structural changes) developed. The degree of adaptive changes was correlated with the altitude and time of exposure to hypoxia. High mountain adaptation developed in stages to sustain body requirements.