An ascent to altitude places considerable demands on the cardiovascular system. Changes in the rate, rhythm, and morphology of the electrocardiogram reflect the fall in the partial pressure of inspired oxygen (PiO2) and the adaptive responses that the human body makes. The effect of hypoxia on the autonomic nervous system results in changes to the heart rate during rest and exercise. Although this is raised during rest and submaximal exercise, maximal heart rate at altitude is reduced as a result of changes in parasympathetic activity. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction leads to a rise in pulmonary artery pressure and morphological changes on the electrocardiogram. Right axis deviation, right bundle branch block, and changes to P and T wave amplitudes are commonly found on ascent and resolve only after a return to low altitude. Although atrial and ventricular ectopic activity is also common, tachyarrhythmias are rare in healthy individuals. However, in those with significant cardiac disease, the hypoxic environment can be hazardous, exposing individuals to ischemia and the risk of sudden cardiac death.

A Review of Electrocardiography in the High Altitude Environment

Eleutheroside E from pre-treatment of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.etMaxim.) Harms ameliorates high-altitude-induced heart injury by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway.

Effects of a fast cable car ascent to an altitude of 2700 meters on EEG and ECG

Effects of a fast cable car ascent to an altitude of 2700 m on EEG and ECG

In this study, ten healthy subjects performed a reaction time task at 990 m and 2700 m in altitude. The subjects were instructed to perform a right hand index finger movement as fast as possible after a green light flashed (repeated 50 times). The corresponding electrocardiogram (ECG) and the electroencephalogram (EEG) were recorded. From the ECG heart rate and heart rate variability measures in the time and frequency domain were calculated. An event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) analysis was performed with the EEG data. Finally, the EEG activity and the ECG parameters were correlated. The study showed that with the fast ascent to 2700 m the heart rate increased and the heart rate variability measures decreased. Furthermore it was shown for the first time that the beta ERS in the 14 to 18 Hz frequency range (post-movement beta ERS) was significantly reduced at high altitude. Very interesting also is the loss of correlation between EEG activity and cardiovascular measures during finger movement at high altitude

G. Lindner

Papers

Effects of a fast cable car ascent to an altitude of 2700 meters on EEG and ECG

Effects of a fast cable car ascent to an altitude of 2700 m on EEG and ECG

Effects of a fast cable car ascent on the autonomic and central nervous system assessed by EEG and ECG analysis