What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and evaluate its associated risk factors.

April 12, 2026PLoS ONEOpen Access

Prevalence and risk factors for AMS: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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This systematic review evaluates the prevalence of acute mountain sickness in high-altitude visitors, suggesting risk management strategies.

The aim is to assess the prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and evaluate its associated risk factors.
Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to MOOSE guidelines.
Comprehensive search of multiple databases for observational studies on AMS prevalence and risk factors.
Inclusion of studies published between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2024.
Quality assessment of included studies by independent investigators.
Meta-analysis performed using R software to pool estimates of AMS.
Pooled AMS prevalence estimated at 48.25% with substantial heterogeneity.
Key risk factors include altitude above 5500 m (RR = 1.89) and rapid ascent under 6 hours (RR = 1.60).
Marked heart rate increase (>20 bpm; RR = 2.35) and oxygen saturation decline (>10%; RR = 2.02) are significant indicators.
Prior AMS history (RR = 1.36) and male sex (RR = 1.15) associated with higher risk; protective effect observed in older age (>50 years; RR = 0.78).

Liu et al. (2026) studied this question.

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This systematic review evaluates the prevalence of acute mountain sickness in high-altitude visitors, suggesting risk management strategies.