Global REACH: Assessment of brady-arrhythmias in Andeans and Lowlanders during apnea at 4330m

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Electronic versions

Documents

DOI

  • Stephen Busch
    University of Alberta
  • Sean Van Diepen
    University of Alberta
  • Andrew Steele
    University of Alberta
  • Victoria Meah
    University of Alberta
  • Lydia Simpson
  • Rómulo Joseph Figueroa-Mujíca
    Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
  • Gustavo Andres Vizcardo-Galindo
    Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
  • Francisco C Villafuerte
    Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
  • Michael Tymko
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Philip Ainslie
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Jonathan Moore
  • Mike Stembridge
    Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Craig Steinback
    University of Alberta
BACKGROUND: Ascent to altitude increases the prevalence of arrhythmogenesis in low-altitude dwelling populations (Lowlanders). High altitude populations (ie. Nepalese Sherpa) may have arrhythmias resistant adaptations that prevent arrhythmogenesis at altitude, though this has not been documented in other High altitude groups, including those diagnosed with chronic mountain sickness (CMS). We investigated whether healthy (CMS-) and CMS afflicted (CMS+) Andeans exhibit cardiac arrhythmias under acute apneic stress at altitude. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electrocardiograms (lead II) were collected in CMS- (N=9), CMS+ (N=8), and Lowlanders (N= 13) following several days at 4330m (Cerro de Pasco, Peru). ECG rhythm and HR were assessed at both rest and during maximal volitional apnea (End-Expiratory [EXP]). Both CMS- and CMS+ had similar basal HR (69 ± 8 beats/min vs. 62 ± 11 beats/min), while basal HR was higher in Lowlanders (77 ± 18 beats/min; P<0.05 versus CMS+). Apnea elicited significant bradycardia (nadir -32 ± 15 beats/min; P<0.01) and the development of arrhythmias in 8/13 Lowlanders (junctional rhythm, 3° atrio-venticular block, sinus pause). HR was preserved was prior to volitional breakpoint in both CMS- (nadir -6 ± 1 beat/min) and CMS+ (1 ±12 beats/min), with 2/17 Andeans developing arrhythmias ( 1 CMS+ and 1 CMS-; both Premature Atrial Contraction) prior to breakpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Andeans showed an absence of arrhythmias and preserved HR response to volitional apnea at altitude, demonstrating that potential cardio-resistant adaptations to arrhythmogenesis exist across permanent HA populations. Acclimatized Lowlanders have further demonstrated an increased prevalence of arrhythmias at altitude.

Keywords

  • Andean, arrhythmia, cardiac, chronic mountain sickness, electrophysiology, high altitude physiology, hypoxia
Original languageEnglish
Article number1603
JournalFrontiers in Physiology
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2020

Total downloads

No data available
View graph of relations