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

HAPH Registry: 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 participate din the study in 2017 to undergo follow-up examinations in 2024, in order to allow comparisons of current results with baseline data from 2017.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Permanently living >2500 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)