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Physical Sciences

Prevalence of congenital cardiac anomalies at high altitude

C Y Miao¹, J S Zuberbuhler, J R Zuberbuhler

¹High Altitude Research Institute, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology|July 1, 1988

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Summary

High altitude increases congenital heart disease risk, particularly patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect, in Chinese children. Lower oxygen levels are the likely cause of these progressive cardiac anomalies.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Environmental Health
Pediatrics

Background:

Congenital heart disease (CHD) prevalence varies globally.
High-altitude environments present unique physiological challenges due to reduced oxygen tension.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between high altitude and the prevalence of specific congenital heart diseases.
To explore the potential mechanisms linking altitude-induced hypoxia to cardiac anomalies.

Main Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 1,116 schoolchildren across four sites in China, ranging from sea level to 4,500m.
Screening included physical examinations, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms for suspected cardiac anomalies.

Main Results:

A progressive increase in the prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and atrial septal defect (ASD) was observed at higher altitudes.
PDA and ASD were significantly more common at altitudes up to 4,500m compared to sea level.

Conclusions:

High altitude is a significant risk factor for developing PDA and ASD in children.
Reduced atmospheric oxygen tension at high altitudes is postulated to impair ductus arteriosus constriction and atrial septum closure.
These findings highlight the impact of environmental factors on congenital heart development.

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Prevalence Of Congenital Cardiac Anomalies At High Altitude

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