Time Course and Prognostic Significance of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Highlanders.

Time Course and Prognostic Significance of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Highlanders.

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and physiologic course of Kyrgyz highlanders with high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) by performing a longitudinal cohort study. To this end, the investigators will invite the same highlanders who participated in the study in 2012 to undergo follow-up examinations in 2017, in order to allow comparisons of current results with baseline data from 2012.

Inclusion Criteria:

• high altitude pulmonary hypertension confirmed by clinical presentation and mean pulmonary artery pressure >30 mmHg measured by echocardiography at altitude of residence.
• healthy subjects (high altitude controls)
• Both genders
• Age >16 y
• Kyrgyz ethnicity
• born, raised and currently living at >2500 m
• healthy subjects currently living at <1000 m (low altitude controls)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pulmonary hypertension from other causes, in particular from left ventricular failure as judged clinically and by echocardiography
• Excessive erythrocytosis
• Other coexistent disorders that may interfere with the cardio-respiratory system and sleep
• Regular use of medication that affects control of breathing
• Heavy smoking