Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice
Published on: May 5, 2022
Frequency of cardiovascular diseases among ski mountaineers in the Austrian Alps
M Faulhaber1, M Flatz, M Burtscher
1Department of Sport Science, Medical Section, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. martin.faulhaber@uibk.ac.at
Abstract:
In recent years, mountain sports, especially ski mountaineering, are practised by increasing numbers. Although a high percentage of elderly with cardiovascular diseases is estimated, little is known about the real frequency of cardiovascular diseases among ski mountaineers. The goal of this study was to provide data on the frequency of cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease with and without myocardial infarction, hypertension, arrhythmias), collected among a representative sample of 937 ski mountaineers in the Austrian Alps. Data of 934 questionnaires were included into the evaluation. Regarding the whole sample, 5.8 % (95 % CI: 4.3 - 7.3 %) of the ski mountaineers are afflicted with at least one cardiovascular disease. The frequency of cardiovascular diseases is age dependent and more pronounced in men. Hypertension is the dominant cardiovascular disease in ski mountaineers. All persons with coronary artery disease with or without prior myocardial infarction and 79 % of the persons with cardiovascular diseases in general are males over the age of 40 years. Scientific research should provide the basis of an optimal risk management for this group of persons.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction