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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 876 MC

An athlete is training at 2500 metres above sea level. What physiological adaptation is MOST likely to occur as a result of acclimatisation to high altitude?

  1. Decreased heart rate during rest and exercise
  2. Increased production of red blood cells and haemoglobin
  3. Widening of blood vessels to allow greater blood flow
  4. Reduced lactic acid production during maximal exercise
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Altitude acclimatisation results in increased production of red blood cells and haemoglobin to compensate for lower oxygen availability.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Heart rate actually increases at altitude, especially during initial exposure.
  • C is incorrect: Blood vessels don’t widen significantly during altitude acclimatisation.
  • D is incorrect: Lactic acid production may actually increase at altitude during exercise.