Key result
Higher SBP variability predicts ~22% higher odds of decreased GLS and prolonged QTc at high altitude.
Why the study?
Exposure to high altitude is considered a cardiac stress causing mechanical and electrophysiological changes, but factors associated with cardiac function after exposure remain unclear.
Does baseline blood pressure variability predict changes in cardiac mechanical and electrophysiological parameters after acute exposure to high altitude in healthy young subjects?
Population
336 healthy young subjects acutely exposed to high altitude
Comparison
Arrival at high altitude (3700 m) vs low altitude (500 m)
Design
Retrospective study
Authors
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BP variability flags risk for cardiac changes at HA; leaves open their prognostic value and need for prospective validation.
Cohort (n=336)
No
Does baseline blood pressure variability predict changes in cardiac mechanical and electrophysiological parameters after acute exposure to high altitude in healthy young subjects?
Effect estimate: OR 1.218
p-value: p=<0.001
Baseline blood pressure variability predicts changes in cardiac mechanical and electrophysiological function following acute high altitude exposure.
Sui et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Healthy individuals exposed to high altitude (n=336). Acute exposure to high altitude vs. Baseline at low altitude (500 m) was evaluated on Decrease in Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) associated with baseline systolic blood pressure coefficient of variation (CVs) (OR 1.218, p=<0.001). Higher baseline systolic blood pressure variability was an independent risk factor for decreased global longitudinal strain (OR 1.218) and prolonged QTc interval after acute high-altitude exposure.
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