New characteristics in ECG induced by ultra-high altitude hypoxia

Abstract

The partial pressure of oxygen decreases significantly with altitude elevation. Adaptive pathophysiological reactions and non-special electrocardiogram(ECG) changes are common in healthy individuals who are exposed to high altitude environments (greater than2500 m). However, previous literatures reported did not fully reflect the characteristics of the plateau ECG changes. A 27-year-old man living for more than 400 days at an ultra-high altitude (5400 m) presented with a rare but urgent ECG features including a right deviation of the electrical axis, pathological Q-wave, a poor increase of R-wave, and T-wave bidirectional/inversion. The erythrocytosis, pulmonary artery pressure, right heart overload and the reversible dynamic evolution of ECGs were gradually improved after he was rapidly transferred to the a low-altitude hospital. This study may provide a new feature of high-altitude induced ECG changes, indicate the potential mechanismand therapeutic value.