High Altitude (HA) Residents With High Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension (HAPH), Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP) Assessed at HA (3200 m) vs LA (760 m)

Comparative Study of Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP) Assessed by Echocardiography in Patients With High Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension (HAPH) Permanently Residing Above 2500 Meters When Assessed Near Resident High Altitude (HA) at 3200 m vs. at Low Altitude (LA) at 760 m

To study the effect of relocation from 3200 m (Aksay) to 760 m (Bishkek) in patients with high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) who permanently live >2500 m on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)

This research in highlanders with HAPH diagnosed by echocardiography and defined by a RV/RA >30 mmHg who permanently live at HA >2500 m will have pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) assessed by echocardiography near their living altitude in Aksay at 3200 m and at 760 m in Bishkek the day after the first and the seventh night after relocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Permanently living >2500 m
• HAPH diagnosed with a minimum RV/RA of 30 mmHg assessed by echocardiography at an altitude of 3200 m
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Highlanders who cannot follow the study investigations,
• Patients with moderate to severe concomitant lung disease (FEV1<70% or forced vital capacity <70%), severe parenchymal lung disease, heavy smoking >20 cigarettes/day or >20 pack-years.
• Coexistent unstable systemic hypertension or coronary artery disease that required adjustment of medication within the last 2 months
• Regular use of medication that affects control of breathing (benzodiazepines, opioids, acetazolamide)