Assessment of Six-minute Walking Distance 6MWD Between High Altitude HA vs. Sea Level LA in Healthy Individuals H

Effect of a One-week Descent From 2850m to Sea Level and Re-ascent in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Healthy Controls Permanently Living > 2600m on Pulmonary Hemodynamics, Exercise Capacity, Blood Oxygenation, Sleep Disordered Breathing and Further Outcomes

To study the effect of descent from high altitude (Quito Ecuador: 2850m) to sea level on six-minute walking distance and scores in healthy individuals, who live permanently >2600m.

The aim of this research is to investigate the six-minute walking distance and scores before and after descent (high altitude near their living altitude vs. sea level) in healthy individuals, who permanently live at high altitude over 2600m.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18-80 years and of all genders
• Permanent residence > 2600 m
• healthy: no self-perceived cardiopulmonary disease limiting daily activities
• written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years or >80 years
• Participants who cannot follow the study investigations
• Participants permanently living < 2600m
• Participants who traveled and stayed overnight at altitudes <2000 m in the past 4 weeks.
• any self-perceived cardiopulmonary disease limiting daily activities