Preexisting cardiovascular diseases among high-altitude mountaineers in the Alps

Abstract

This survey evaluated the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among high-altitude mountaineers (n = 473). The prevalence of CVD amounted to 7.4% and increased with age. Hypertension was the most frequent type of CVD. However, the recorded frequency of CVD in high-altitude mountaineers is lower compared to hikers and alpine skiers. © 2011 International Society of Travel Medicine.