Cardiopulmonary pathology among children resident at high altitude in Tintaya, Peru: a cross-sectional study

Symptomatic high-altitude pulmonary hypertension and structural cardiac abnormalities related to high altitude have been reported previously. However, their true prevalence has not been systematically determined. We assessed clinical indicators of cardiovascular health or disease and correlated them with anatomic and physiologic cardiovascular features in preschool and schoolchildren living at 4000 m. We also estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular problems in the population, with emphasis on symptomatic high altitude pulmonary hypertension and structural cardiopathies. Three hundred and twenty-six children residents of Tintaya, Peru, were cross-sectionally studied. Methods included structured interviews, anthropometry and physical examination, arterial oxygen saturation, hemoglobin determination, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. The prevalence of structural cardiac problems was 1.5%, with less than 1% possibly attributable to high altitude. All children with structural cardiac abnormalities were identified by a focused physical exam prior to echocardiography. None were identified by the health interview. No symptomatic high altitude pulmonary hypertension was identified in the absence of underlying structural anomalies. The prevalence of structural cardiac problems was consistent with data from sea level. Active monitoring of the health status of a pediatric population at high altitude is valuable in the timely detection of cardiac abnormalities. Although our study children enjoyed generally excellent health, comparative, longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the incidence of high altitude cardiopulmonary problems and to identify risk factors and early markers for later disorders associated to life at high altitude. Our findings are applicable to children with some degree of high altitude genetic background and high mobility patterns to lower altitudes and living in comparatively good nutritional and socioeconomic conditions.