Title
Global REACH: Assessment of Brady-Arrhythmias in Andeans and Lowlanders During Apnea at 4330 m
Date Issued
22 January 2020
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Publisher(s)
Frontiers Media S.A.
Abstract
Background: Ascent to altitude increases the prevalence of arrhythmogenesis in low-altitude dwelling populations (Lowlanders). High altitude populations (i.e., Nepalese Sherpa) may have arrhythmias resistant adaptations that prevent arrhythmogenesis at altitude, though this has not been documented in other High altitude groups, including those diagnosed with chronic mountain sickness (CMS). We investigated whether healthy (CMS-) and CMS afflicted (CMS +) Andeans exhibit cardiac arrhythmias under acute apneic stress at altitude. Methods and Results: Electrocardiograms (lead II) were collected in CMS- (N = 9), CMS + (N = 8), and Lowlanders (N = 13) following several days at 4330 m (Cerro de Pasco, Peru). ECG rhythm and HR were assessed at both rest and during maximal volitional apnea. Both CMS- and CMS + had similar basal HR (69 ± 8 beats/min vs. 62 ± 11 beats/min), while basal HR was higher in Lowlanders (77 ± 18 beats/min; P < 0.05 versus CMS +). Apnea elicited significant bradycardia (nadir −32 ± 15 beats/min; P < 0.01) and the development of arrhythmias in 8/13 Lowlanders (junctional rhythm, 3° atrio-ventricular block, sinus pause). HR was preserved was prior to volitional breakpoint in both CMS- (nadir −6 ± 1 beat/min) and CMS + (1 ± 12 beats/min), with 2/17 Andeans developing arrhythmias (1 CMS+ and 1 CMS-; both Premature atrial contraction) prior to breakpoint. Conclusion: Andeans showed an absence of arrhythmias and preserved HR response to volitional apnea at altitude, demonstrating that potential cardio-resistant adaptations to arrhythmogenesis exist across permanent HA populations. Acclimatized Lowlanders have further demonstrated an increased prevalence of arrhythmias at altitude.
Volume
10
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Sistema cardiaco, Sistema cardiovascular
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85079156523
Source
Frontiers in Physiology
ISSN of the container
1664042X
Sponsor(s)
Funding. This study was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [CS(RGPIN 06637) and PA (20150821-01)], the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Joint Alberta and National New Investigator Award [CS(HSFC NNIA Steinback)], and a Canadian Research Chair in Cerebrovascular Physiology [PA(950-230970)].
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus