Maximal Exercise Capacity at 2500 m of High Altitude

The Impact of Hypoxia on Patients With Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension and Treatment of Adverse Effects

The impact of hypoxia on maximal work rate during incremental ramp exercise within 3-6 hours after arriving at 2500m of high altitude in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)
• PH class I (PAH) or IV (CTEPH) diagnosed according to guidelines: mean pulmonary artery pressure >20 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance ≥3 wood units, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg during baseline measures at the diagnostic right-heart catheterization

Exclusion Criteria:

• resting partial pressure of oxygen <8 kilopascal at Zurich at 490 m low altitude
• exposure to an altitude >1000 m for ≥3 nights during the last 2 weeks before the study
• inability to follow the procedures of the study
• other clinically significant concomitant end-stage disease (e.g., renal failure, hepatic dysfunction)