Eugene j's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Elevated Heart Rate or Heart Rate at Elevation? A Study on the Effects of Elevation on the Heart Health of BASIS Flagstaff’s Physically Active Teachers. BASIS Advisor: Jacyln Titone Internship Location: BASIS Flagstaff Track Team Onsite Mentor: Peyton Kohnke, Athletic Director, Track Coach, and Dean

Project Abstract

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has been the leading cause of death worldwide for the past twenty years. Two major predictors of CVD are a person’s resting heart rate and VO2 max, the maximum rate of oxygen a person can use while exercising. Consistent physical activity can improve these variables. However, elevation has a negative effect on them. According to the American Heart Association, healthy people won’t need to worry about “moderate elevations” of 6,560 to 9,840 feet, but this wide range may have varying health effects. I aim to better understand how Flagstaff’s elevation of 7,000 feet affects physically active inhabitants by using BASIS teachers as a sample population. I will use the data collected from their fitness watches to understand their personal fitness concerning their unique workouts and how the elevation likely affects them. This method allows me access to a vast amount of data without putting these volunteers through any physical exertion they wouldn’t normally do. With this data, I will better understand the effects of different types of physical fitness on health and avoid CVD at elevations around 7,000 feet.