Key result
Multidisciplinary evaluation enables safe high-altitude trekking up to 2500 m in moderate aortic stenosis.
Why the study?
Recommendations for high-altitude exposure in individuals with cardiovascular disease, including moderate aortic valve stenosis, are largely based on expert opinion with limited sex-specific data.
Case Report (n=1)
A high-altitude trek up to 2500 m may be safe and feasible for selected asymptomatic patients with moderate aortic stenosis if guided by a comprehensive multidisciplinary sports cardiology evaluation.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports feasibility of moderate-altitude trekking in selected moderate AS after multidisciplinary review; leaves open broader applicability and long-term safety.
Background: Recommendations for high-altitude exposure in individuals with cardiovascular disease are largely based on expert opinion. This report details sport- and sex-specific recommendations for a patient with moderate aortic valve stenosis preparing for a high-altitude trek. Case summary: A 64-year-old woman with moderate, asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis and excellent functional capacity sought sports advice before a planned trek in the Himalayas. After a multidisciplinary sports cardiology team discussion and considering limited data on sex-specific cardiovascular responses to hypoxia, the trek was deemed safe with specific precautions. The patient was advised to limit activity to moderate intensity (74% of maximal heart rate), start at low altitude, and gradually ascend, not exceeding 2500 m and to descend immediately should symptoms occur. She was also counselled on the potential influence of sex hormones on exercise tolerance at high altitude. She successfully completed the trek without incident. Follow-up after 6 months showed progression to severe aortic stenosis, for which she underwent aortic valve and root replacement. Discussion: This case demonstrates that, following comprehensive evaluation, a high-altitude trek may be feasible in selected patients with moderate aortic stenosis. It highlights the need for individualized advice, taking into account physiological responses to high-altitude exposure, and emphasizes potential sex-specific considerations, despite limited data.
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Bodde et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Moderate aortic valve stenosis (n=1). High-altitude trek was evaluated on Feasibility and safety of high-altitude trek without adverse events. Following multidisciplinary evaluation, a 64-year-old woman with moderate aortic stenosis safely completed a high-altitude trek up to 2500 m, though her condition progressed to severe 6 months later.
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