Diamond Mold joins with University of Utah to raise awareness about heart health

Climbing Mount Everest under any circumstances is extreme, particularly if you're climbing a portion of it with the man who holds the world record for summiting Everest more than any other climber.

Acclimating with Apa Sherpa is exactly what Salt Lake businessman Terrell Pool plans to do with his friend and employee, who climbed Mount Everest for the 20th time last May, breaking his own world record. The two leave for Everest this Friday.

Pool is the CEO of Diamond Mold, Inc., a medical and aerospace tooling and injection mold building company that has sponsored Apa on previous climbs. For Apa's 21st summit bid, Diamond Mold has partnered with University of Utah Health Care, which will monitor both men's heart rates and oxygen levels as they climb the fabled mountain later this month.

"From a scientific level, we're excited to compare the biometrics of someone who has summited Everest 20 times with those of a first timer," said Roger Freedman, M.D., a cardiologist and professor at University of Utah Health Care. "But more importantly, we hope this sparks people to think about their own heart health and physical fitness."

Last week, Pool and Apa visited University of Utah Hospital to undergo baseline testing, including a treadmill exercise test, an echocardiogram, and EKG testing. On the mountain, cardiologists will collect heart rate and cardiology data, using a Suunto heart-rate monitor. They will also sample blood oxygen levels at various altitudes.

"Apa is making his 21st summit bid, and his motivation has to do with raising awareness of conditions in Nepal," said Pool, 57. "I am honored to be in a position to witness his incredible perseverance, which is a reminder that we can all excel in our own areas if we try as hard as he does."