Mayo research team returns from Everest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A Mayo Clinic research team is back in Minnesota after conducting research at Mount Everest.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin reports the team members returned Saturday.

They left in mid-April and stayed at a base camp until a week ago, then began a 50-mile trip with plans to do 10 days of research. But they returned a couple days early for reasons related to athletes they were studying.

Because Everest is the highest mountain in the world, Mayo officials say it's a natural lab for studying heart disease and other problems. The extreme altitude puts climbers under the same conditions experienced by patients suffering from heart disease.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.