Exaggerated exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension causes lung water accumulation and right ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic mountain sickness

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) is characterized by exaggerated exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension. Evidences suggest that exercise may cause lung fluid accumulation at high altitude. We hypothesized that, in patients with CMS, exercise causes lung fluid accumulation. Methods: In 21 male CMS patients and 20 matched healthy controls born and permanently living in La Paz (Bolivia, 3600 m) we assessed with echocardiogram, pulmonary artery pressure (PASP), right and left ventricular function and ultrasound lung comets (ULCs, a marker of lung fluid accumulation) at rest and during mild bicycle exercise (10 min at 50W).