Why Do Everest Climbers Matter to Patients Near Sea Level? Mayo Experts Explain

Thursday, May 03, 2012

ROCHESTER, Minn. — 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 under way at Mayo Clinic.

MULTIMEDIA ALERT: Everest graphics and explanatory materials are available for journalists at MayoClinicOnEverest.com; video is available on the Mayo Clinic News Network.

The following 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.
• Altitude issues including F-22s, aerospace medicine — Lawrence Steinkraus, M.D.
• Sleep disorders, pulmonary and critical care medicine — Eric Olson, M.D.

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

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