[The heart and the mountains].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Altitude Medicine
• Sports Cardiology

Background:

• High altitude exposure causes performance decline proportional to hypoxia.
• Cardiac patients considering mountain activities require risk assessment for hostile environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To guide cardiologists in evaluating cardiac patients for high-altitude physical activities.
• To identify contraindications and assess functional capacity for safe mountain engagement.

Main Methods:

• Review of contraindications for high altitude in cardiac patients.
• Evaluation of functional capacity and altitude-induced stress.
• Assessment of cardiac reserve relative to physical demands.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension, thrombo-embolic disease, and unstable cardiac conditions are absolute contraindications.
• Most stable cardiopathies may permit modified high-altitude activities.

Conclusions:

• Cardiologists play a crucial role in evaluating patient fitness for high altitude.
• Accurate assessment of functional capacity and reserve is essential for managing risks.