High-altitude pulmonary edema: review

Area of Science:

• High-altitude medicine
• Environmental physiology

Background:

• High altitude (HA) environments present challenges due to hypobaric hypoxia.
• High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening condition affecting individuals ascending rapidly to altitudes above 3,000 meters.
• HAPE is influenced by both environmental exposures and individual genetic predispositions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathological aspects of hypobaric hypoxia, with a specific focus on High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
• To provide an overview of HAPE for evaluating physiological, biochemical, and genetic responses during acclimatization to high altitudes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic identification and categorization of HAPE facets.
• Literature review encompassing incidence, symptoms, physiological effects, and pathophysiology.
• Inclusion of environmental and genetic risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• HAPE is a significant cause of mortality at extreme altitudes.
• Understanding HAPE requires examining physiological and genetic factors.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on HAPE and related high-altitude maladies.

Conclusions:

• Further research into the multifactorial pathogenesis of HAPE is warranted.
• Effective prevention and treatment strategies are crucial for individuals traveling to high altitudes.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in high-altitude medicine.