The impact of high-altitude migration on cardiac structure and function: a 1-year prospective study.

Abstract

The trend of human migration to terrestrial high altitudes (HA) has been increasing over the years. However, no published prospective studies exist with follow-up periods exceeding 1month to investigate the cardiac change. This prospective study aimed to investigate the changes in cardiac structure and function in healthy young male lowlanders following long-term migration to HA. A total of 122 Chinese healthy young males were divided into 2 groups: those migrating to altitudes between 3600m and 4000m (low HA group, n = 65) and those migrating to altitudes between 4000m and 4700m (high HA group, n = 57). Traditional echocardiographic parameters were measured at sea level, 1month and 1year after migration to HA. All 4 cardiac chamber dimensions, areas, and volumes decreased after both 1month and 1year of HA exposure. This reduction was more pronounced in the high HA group than in the low HA group. Bi-ventricular diastolic function decreased after 1month of HA exposure, while systolic function decreased after 1year. Notably, these functional changes were not significantly influenced by altitude differences. Dilation of the pulmonary artery and a progressive increase in pulmonary artery systolic pressure were observed with both increasing exposure time and altitude. Additionally, a decreased diameter of the inferior vena cava and reduced bicuspid and tricuspid blood flow velocity indicated reduced blood flow following migration to the HA. 1year of migration to HA is associated with decreased blood volume and enhanced hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. These factors contribute to reduced cardiac chamber size and slight declines in bi-ventricular function.