High altitude medicine & biology最新文献

{"title":"<i>Letter:</i> Passive Normobaric Hypoxic Exposure and High-Altitude Acclimatization in Monozygotic Twins on Mount Everest.","authors":"Patrycja Jonetzko, Kenton Cool, Graham Parrott, Chris Parrott","doi":"10.1177/15578682261441525","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261441525","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261441525"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medical Screening of Climbers Who Later Develop High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema on Aconcagua.","authors":"Aaron Brillhart, Molly Enenbach, Javier Seufferheld, Bernabé Abramor, Peter Callas, Rodrigo Duplessis, Ian Guertin, Theodore A Hartridge, Roxana Pronce, Ana Saravia, Scott E McIntosh","doi":"10.1177/15578682261444634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261444634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brillhart, Aaron, Molly Enenbach, Javier Seufferheld, Bernabé Abramor, Peter Callas, Rodrigo Duplessis, Ian Guertin, Theodore A Hartridge, Roxana Pronce, Ana Saravia, and Scott E. McIntosh. Medical screening of climbers who later develop high-altitude pulmonary edema on Aconcagua. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2026.</p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>On Aconcagua (6,961 m), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is the most frequent reason for medical evacuation. This study aimed to compare medical screening data of climbers who developed HAPE with those who did not and to identify trends to aid in illness prevention and climber safety.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>De-identified medical screening data of Aconcagua climbers from 2024 to 25 were retrospectively reviewed, comparing climbers who developed HAPE with those who did not.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-three of 2,336 climbers developed HAPE (2.3%). Asymptomatic climbers screened at 4,300 m who later developed HAPE had lower mean oxygen saturation than controls (80% vs. 85%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and higher mean heart rate (96 vs. 87 bpm, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Nonsignificant trends were noted with guided status (74% vs. 61%, <i>p</i> = 0.06), and prophylactic acetazolamide use (34% vs. 21%, unadjusted: <i>p</i> = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] 1.92, adjusted: <i>p</i> = 0.08, OR 1.74).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>On Aconcagua, certain vital sign parameters, including oxygen saturation below 80% and tachycardia during asymptomatic screening at 4,300 m, could raise concern for later developing HAPE. Future research could clarify any association between HAPE, certain climber groups such as guided clients, ascent rate, and medication use. Gradual ascent should continue to be emphasized to facilitate acclimatization and prevent life-threatening altitude illness such as HAPE.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261444634"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiological Responses to Acute Hypobaric and Normobaric Hypoxia: Differences in Maximal Exercise and Clinical Impact.","authors":"Giovanni Ferrarini, Mattia Canevari, Valeria Azzini, Piergiuseppe Agostoni, Beatrice Pezzuto, Carlo Vignati","doi":"10.1177/15578682261442067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261442067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ferrarini, Giovanni, Mattia Canevari, Valeria Azzini, Piergiuseppe Agostoni, Beatrice Pezzuto, and Carlo Vignati. Physiological responses to acute hypobaric and normobaric hypoxia: Differences in maximal exercise and clinical impact. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2026.-Hypoxia, defined by inspired partial pressure of oxygen (PiO₂) <150 mmHg, has been extensively studied in conditions of both reduced barometric pressure (hypobaric hypoxia, HH) and reduced inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO₂) at sea level (normobaric hypoxia, NH). Traditionally considered interchangeable, mounting evidence indicates that HH and NH elicit distinct cardiovascular, ventilatory, and gas-exchange responses during physical effort, likely due to factors beyond PiO₂, including air density, alveolar gas composition, exercise modality, and the age and sex of the individual performing the effort. A thorough understanding of how different hypoxic modalities affect exercise responses provides fundamental insights into human physiology and pathophysiology under extreme conditions, with practical implications for sports medicine and athletic training, as well as for patients with pathologies potentially influenced by hypoxia dealing with high altitude. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the differential effects of HH and NH on exercise responses, with an emphasis on maximal exercise capacity and underlying the physiological mechanisms regarding cardiovascular function, ventilatory adaptation, and gas-exchange responses, also outlining the implications for athletes, clinical populations (heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension), and altitude medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261442067"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Letter:</i> The Anticoagulation Dilemma in Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Chronic Mountain Sickness.","authors":"Yue Dong, Zhihao Zou, Qinghai Shi","doi":"10.1177/15578682261442843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261442843","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261442843"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Slow Symptom Resolution of Acute Altitude Illness Upon Rapid Descent.","authors":"Adam D Hill","doi":"10.1177/15578682261441527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261441527","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hill, Adam D. Slow symptom resolution of acute altitude illness upon rapid descent. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2026.-Acute mountain sickness (AMS) effects roughly one-quarter to more than three-quarters of persons travelling to elevations greater than 2,500 m. Treatment relies primarily on descent or a stoppage of further ascent (with or without pharmacologic therapy) to allow for acclimatization. In the latter approach, acclimatization as heralded by improvement of symptoms can take anywhere from 12 hours to 4 days. The timeline for symptom resolution when descent takes place, however, is not clearly defined. A case is presented of a hiker who suffered from persistent symptoms of AMS for nearly 24 hours despite descending rapidly to sea level.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261441527"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147632233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heart Rate Variability in Adults from Low- and High-Altitude Origins Residing in a High-Altitude City: A Cross-Sectional Comparison.","authors":"Esteban Ramírez, C Alejandro Luzardo, Daniel F Namen, Juan D Rivera, Lina Pérez, Daniela Mora, Nicolás Moncada, Santiago Lopez, Jaime Guiza","doi":"10.1177/15578682261438763","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261438763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ramírez, Esteban, C Alejandro Luzardo, Daniel F Namen, Juan D Rivera, Lina Pérez, Daniela Mora, Nicolás Moncada, Santiago Lopez, and Jaime Guiza. Heart rate variability in adults from low- and high-altitude origins residing in a high-altitude city: A cross-sectional comparison. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2026.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Heart rate variability (HRV) is used to assess autonomic regulation, reflecting autonomic nervous system activity through heartbeat interval analysis. HRV can be evaluated using time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear methods. Although acute high-altitude exposure has been studied, the effects of chronic exposure remain less well understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study compared HRV in adults from altitudes ≥2,500 m (group 1) and <1,500 m (group 2), with both groups residing in Bogotá, Colombia (2,600 m) for more than 6 months. HRV was assessed using time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear metrics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants from low-altitude regions (group 2) exhibited higher resting heart rates (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and lower time domains (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, root mean square of successive differences, number of pairs of successive normal-to-normal intervals differing by more than 50 ms, percentage of NN50 [%]; <i>p</i> < 0.05), frequency domain (total power, high-frequency power; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.004), and nonlinear measures (triangular interpolation of the NN interval histogram, standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat variability, short-term fractal scaling exponent; <i>p</i> < 0.05) than those from high-altitude regions. These results indicate a lower HRV in individuals from low-altitude regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adults raised at low altitudes showed lower HRV when living in Bogotá compared with those raised at high altitudes, suggesting an association with long-term autonomic differences potentially related to early-life altitude exposure, rather than a direct causal effect of chronic hypoxia during childhood. These findings may have physiological and clinical implications, particularly in countries with diverse geography. Further prospective, longitudinal research is needed to confirm these associations and clarify their cardiovascular relevance and the potential contribution of genetic and environmental factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261438763"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Chronic High-Altitude Hypoxia on Attention Networks and Cardiovascular Regulation in Indigenous High-Altitude Primary School Students.","authors":"Weigang Gong, Xintong Chen, Xuan Lyu, Xiang Li, Xinyi Wang, Xiaoyu Chen, Chun Zheng, Chao Fu","doi":"10.1177/15578682261434918","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261434918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study examined the effects of chronic high-altitude hypoxic exposure on attention networks in indigenous primary school students, integrating cardiovascular indices to explore underlying physiological mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three real-world altitude groups were established: low (2,200 m), mid (3,200 m), and high (4,200 m). Cardiovascular function was assessed via systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Attentional performance was evaluated using the Attention Network Test (ANT), which provides measures of alerting, orienting, and executive control efficiency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cardiovascular indices followed a nonlinear pattern across altitudes, with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate being significantly higher at mid-altitude compared to both low and high altitudes. In contrast, attention performance exhibited an opposite trend: alerting and executive control efficiency were relatively reduced at mid-altitude but were comparable between the low- and high-altitude groups. Orienting efficiency did not differ significantly across the three altitude groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings reveal a dissociation between physiological regulation and cognitive performance under chronic hypoxia. To explain these results, we propose a U-shaped model of cardiovascular adaptation, where mid-altitude represents an incomplete compensatory state, while prolonged exposure at higher altitudes leads to stabilized cardiovascular function and preserved attentional performance. This integrative framework underscores the crucial role of physiological adaptation in shaping cognitive outcomes in high-altitude environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261434918"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Letter:</i> High Altitude Medical Kit.","authors":"James F Bridger, Jeremy S Windsor","doi":"10.1177/15578682261429336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261429336","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261429336"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High-Altitude Environment and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Epidemiology, Pathological Mechanisms, and Clinical Management.","authors":"Shuna Wei, Xiaoju Liu","doi":"10.1177/15578682261428873","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578682261428873","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wei, Shuna, Xiaoju Liu. High-altitude environment and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: epidemiology, pathological mechanisms and clinical management. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2026Background:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health concern. Environmental factors such as low oxygen and temperature, along with poor living habits in high-altitude areas, contribute to regional variations in the occurrence and progression of COPD. There is currently a lack of systematic reviews on the relationship between high-altitude environments and COPD, which hinders effective prevention and treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review comprehensively sorts out and analyzes the research on COPD in high-altitude areas from three aspects: epidemiological characteristics, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical management.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Epidemiologically, COPD mortality increases with altitude; however, prevalence rates remain debated. Pathophysiologically, factors include hypoxia-inducible factor regulation, hemodynamic changes, air pollution particles promoting inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as gene mutations like PPARA and SERPINA1. Clinically managing COPD in high-altitude regions requires individualized approaches that consider environmental conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High-altitude environments exacerbate COPD through hypoxic stress, pollutant exposure, and genetic variations. Future efforts should focus on developing a risk prediction model for COPD that incorporates altitude parameters to enhance targeted prevention and treatment strategies in these areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578682261428873"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Determinants of Acute Mountain Sickness in Trekkers in the Nepali Himalaya: A 36-Year Follow-Up.","authors":"Hannah Cameron, Marion McDevitt, Bengt Kayser, Craig Kutz, Suvash Dawadi, Alana Hawley","doi":"10.1177/15578682251382432","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578682251382432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cameron, Hannah, Marion McDevitt, Bengt Kayser, Craig Kutz, Suvash Dawadi, and Alana Hawley. Risk determinants of acute mountain sickness in trekkers in the Nepali Himalaya: a 36-year follow-up. High Alt Med Biol. 27:17-22, 2026.</p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Non-acclimatized trekkers risk developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) at high altitudes. We surveyed trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (peak 5,416 m) to assess AMS incidence and risk factors. Results were compared to 1986, 1998, and 2010 surveys.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Paper and electronic surveys were distributed to English-speaking trekkers who stopped at the Manang Aid Post (3,500 m). AMS was assessed with the Lake Louise Score (LLS; cutoffs ≥3 and ≥5) and the Environmental Symptom Questionnaire AMS-C score (cutoff ≥0.7).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and forty-three surveys were returned. Incidence of AMS was 45%, 29%, and 19% (LLS ≥3, LLS ≥5, and AMS-C). AMS incidence was similar to that in 2010 and lower than in 1986 and 1998. In this study, body mass index (BMI) was a significant risk factor for AMS. Seventy-five percent of trekkers had elementary awareness of AMS, compared to 42% in 2010. Trekkers had slower ascent rates and 49% used prophylactic acetazolamide, compared to 44% (2010), 12% (1998), and 1% (1986).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BMI was a predictor of AMS. Awareness of AMS was greater when compared to past studies; however, AMS rates stayed relatively stable between 2010 and the present. Whether awareness reduces the incidence of other potentially lethal altitude illnesses requires further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"17-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145137233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}