Adult subacute mountain sickness--a syndrome of congestive heart failure in man at very high altitude

Lancet. 1990 Mar 10;335(8689):561-5. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(90)90348-9.

Abstract

A new type of mountain sickness is described. 21 men (age 22.2, standard deviation [SD] 1.8 years) had severe congestive heart failure with oedema and ascites after 10.8 (SD 5.9) weeks at altitudes of 5800-6700 m. Investigation, within 3 days of transfer to 300 m, showed polycythaemia, cardiomegaly with right ventricular enlargement, and (in 17) pericardial effusion. The heart failure resolved rapidly after transfer from high altitude.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Altitude Sickness / etiology*
  • Altitude Sickness / physiopathology
  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects
  • Diuresis
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Hypoxia / etiology*
  • India
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors