The effect of short post-apnea time on plasma triglycerides, lipoprotein and cholesterol derived oxysterols levels

Abstract

Apnea diving is characterized by extreme hypoxia and hypercapnia. Possible pathophysiological processes concerning the cardiovascular system are not yet fully understood. Hypoxia has effects on triglyceride metabolism and circulating blood lipids. To date, in voluntary apnea divers, no short-time hypoxia expositions focusing on plasma triglycerides, lipoprotein and cholesterol derived oxysterols levels have been performed. We hypothesize that short time hypoxemia leads to altered triglyceride, cholesterol, and oxysterol plasma levels in voluntary apnea divers.

Keywords

• apnea diving
• cardiovascular disease
• cholesterol
• gas chromatography
• hypoxia
• lipids
• mass spectrometry