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High-altitude pulmonary edema in Vail, Colorado, 1975-1982.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|May 1, 1986
Summary
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) affected visitors in Vail, Colorado, primarily young men, after rapid ascent. Symptoms like cough and shortness of breath typically appeared 2.5 days post-arrival.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a serious condition affecting individuals ascending to high elevations.
- Vail, Colorado, situated at 2,500 m (8,200 ft), presents a risk for altitude-related illnesses in visitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and incidence of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) cases in Vail, Colorado.
- To identify risk factors and patterns associated with HAPE occurrence in visitors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) cases recorded in Vail, Colorado, between 1975 and 1982.
- Analysis of patient demographics, ascent profiles, symptom onset, and environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- A total of 47 HAPE cases were documented, exclusively in visitors from lower altitudes.
- The affected population comprised predominantly men (93%) with a mean age of 35.6 years.
- Most cases occurred during winter months (December-April) following rapid ascents of over 2,330 m in less than a day.
Conclusions:
- Rapid ascent to high altitudes, particularly during colder months, significantly increases the risk of developing high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in susceptible individuals.
- Awareness of these risk factors is crucial for preventing HAPE in visitors to high-altitude locations like Vail.
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