Retinal Vessel Diameters in Relation to Hematocrit Variation during Acclimatization of Highlanders to Sea Level Altitude

Abstract

Although a 16% reduction in hematocrit occurred between days 2 and 72 after arrival at sea level, the only significant excursion observed was that the diameter of the veins was larger at day 23 than at days 2 and 72. Retinal vessel diameters demonstrated a wide homeostatic range during acclimatization-driven hematocrit variation.