Key result
Adult Sherpa exhibit smaller LV size, reduced systolic deformation, and slower untwisting versus high-altitude lowlanders.
Why the study?
Does life-long high-altitude exposure in Sherpa lead to different cardiac structural and functional adaptations compared to short-term exposure in lowlanders?
Population
Lowlander natives and Himalayan Sherpa
Comparison
High-altitude exposure vs Lowlanders at high altitude vs Sherpa, and…
Design
Review
Authors
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Sherpa cardiac adaptations to lifelong hypoxia should not yet change practice; leaves open prospective validation of exercise reserve versus lowlanders.
Does life-long high-altitude exposure in Sherpa lead to different cardiac structural and functional adaptations compared to short-term exposure in lowlanders?
Himalayan Sherpa exhibit distinct chronic structural and functional ventricular adaptations to high altitude, including smaller LV size and altered mechanics, which may preserve mechanical reserve during exercise.
Stembridge et al. (2014) conducted a review in High altitude adaptation. High altitude exposure vs. Lowlanders was evaluated on Left ventricular structure and function. Adult Sherpa exhibit smaller left ventricular size, reduced resting systolic deformation, and slower diastolic untwisting compared to lowlanders at high altitude.
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