Acute Exposure to High Altitude on Heart Rate and Ventilation During Exercise

University of Zurich28 enrolled

Overview

Randomized crossover trial in patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (PAH, CTEPH) to assess the acute response to High Altitude (Säntis; 2500m above sea level) on heart rate and Ventilation changes under exercise.

Low altitude baseline measurements will be performed in Zurich (460m asl) including Echocardiography, Right heart catheterization, 6MWT, pulmonary function test, clinical assessment and blood gas Analysis. Randomly assigned to the order of testing, the participants will be tested in Low Altitude (Zurich, 470m) and at High Altitude (2500m). During the exposure to High Altitude (2500m) and Low Altitude (Zurich; 470m) of up to 5 hours, the participants' heart rate and Ventilation will be compared under exercise.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pulmonary Hypertension

Interventions

Assessment at Low Altitude (470m above sea level)OTHER

Assessment at Low Altitude (in Zurich; 470m above sea level) in order to compare this data with High altitude exposure

Exposure to High Altitude (2500m above sea level)OTHER

Exposure to High Altitude (Säntis; 2500m above sea level) for approximately 5 hours

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent * PH diagnosed according to internation Guidelines: mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg along with a PAWP ≤15 mmHg during right heart catheterization at the time of Initial diagnosis * PH class 1 (PAH) or 4 (CTEPH) * Stable condition, on the same medication for \> 4 weeks * Patient live permanently at an altitude \< 1000m asl. Exclusion Criteria: * Resting PaO2 ≤7.3 kPA corresponding to the requirement of long-term oxygen therapy \> 16hour daily (nocturnal oxygen therapy alone is allowed) * Severe daytime hypercapnia (pCO2 \> 6.5 kPa) * Susceptibility to high altitude related diseases (AMS, HAPE, etc.) based on previous experienced discomfort at altitudes. * Exposure to an altitude \>1500m for ≥3 nights during the last 4 weeks before the study participation * Residence \> 1000m above sea level * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, neurological or orthopedic problems with Walking disability * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding

Locations (1)

Respiratory Clinic, University Hospital of Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Heart rate under exercise

Change in heart rate under exercise during the exposure to High Altitude (2500m above sea level) and Low Altitude (Zurich; 470m).

Time frame: within 5 hours

Secondary Outcomes

Ventilation under exercise

Change in Ventilation under exercise during the exposure to High Altitude

Time frame: within 5 hours

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.