Sat Bains forced to abandon world record attempt due to pulmonary edema

Under advice from the medical team on the Everest Expedition 2015, Sat Bains has had to leave Base Camp and urgently descend to under 2000m. The team left Base Camp (5182m) on Monday on a strenuous practice trek over a frozen lake at 5300m. On their return, the team were monitored as usual by the expedition medics, who became concerned about a "stitch' Sat appeared to have acquired on his side that they noted and monitored. After another shorter practice trek on Tuesday, his symptoms increased with coughing and shortness of breath. After further tests, he was diagnosed with the full symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). He was closely monitored overnight on Tuesday and was given steroids and oxygen to alleviate the symptoms. After a full day of rest yesterday under full medical supervision with oxygen at Base Camp, his lung capacity and breathing had not improved and the decision was taken for him to immediately descend. HAPE is a life threatening form of pulmonary edema that typically occurs at altitudes above 2500m. HAPE remains the major cause of death related to high-altitude exposure, with a high mortality rate in the absence of adequate emergency treatment. Sat has begun his descent with oxygen to the hospital at Kathmandu (1400m), where he will receive further tests and treatment before being given permission to fly home. It is not yet known if his existing asthma condition has been a contributing factor. The remaining members of the expedition team will leave Base Camp this weekend and continue their attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World's Highest Dinner Party at North Col (7100m) on Thursday, April 30.