A 34-Year-Old Man With Exercise-Induced ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction 36 Hours After Descent From High
Zhiling He1,2, Luxun Tang2, Jingtang Hu2
1Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|June 23, 2026
Summary
High altitude exposure increases cardiovascular risk. A case report details a 34-year-old man experiencing exercise-induced ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after descending from high altitude, highlighting de-acclimatization risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Prolonged high-altitude exposure is linked to increased risk of coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiovascular events.
- De-acclimatization following high altitude can precipitate acute coronary syndromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of exercise-induced ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurring during high-altitude de-acclimatization.
- To highlight the association between early de-acclimatization, exercise, and acute coronary events.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 34-year-old male presenting with chest pain 36 hours after descent from 4200m.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and emergency coronary angiography (CAG) were performed.
- Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent implantation was utilized.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) post-exercise during de-acclimatization.
- Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery with significant non-culprit plaques.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention successfully restored blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Dyslipidemia, hemorheological changes, and vigorous exercise may contribute to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during high-altitude de-acclimatization.
- Individuals with a history of high-altitude living may face elevated risks for acute coronary syndromes, especially STEMI, during exercise.
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