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Trekking with non-cardiovascular preexisting health conditions at altitude

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Küpper T., Apel C., Bertsch D., Cerfontaine C., van der Giet M., van der Giet S., Graß M., Haunolder M., Heussen N. M., Hundt N., Jäger J., Kühn C., Morrison A., Timmermann L., Wernitz K., Gieseler U., Schöffl V., Musiol S., Teległów A., Szymczak R.

Health Promotion & Physical Activity

2024

vol. 28

issue 3

29-40

Aim: An epidemiological assessment of the preexisting health conditions of trekkers in the Solu-Khumbu region / Mount Everest (Nepal) to inform preventative and future pre-travel advice. Material and methods: Adult volunteers (n = 350, 122 female, mean age 42.7 y (SD = 13.5), 35% aged 50 y+) completed a comprehensive health survey followed by a basic medical examination while trekking at 2800–5160 m. Cardiological problems were excluded. Results: Only 51% sought some kind of medical pre-travel advice, and 150 reported one or more preexisting health conditions (predominately orthopaedic and trauma surgery n = 91). Many did not receive some, or all, of the recommended vaccinations. AMS symptoms were reported by 213, 59/350 took acetazolamide, and 53 didn’t factor in any acclimatisation days. None of the volunteers undertook specific muscular training before their trek (i.e. hiking with a rucksack the same weight as on trek), though 257/350 participated in some sport regularly back home. In those experiencing “a current pain” (n = 135), 64 had cephalgia, 28 had knee pain, 13 had shoulder pain, and more. Alcohol abuse or dependence was probable in 30/84 assessed; and 26/350 were occasional or regular users of recreational drugs. Existing or past nicotine abuse was reported by 104/350 with an average consumption of 14.8 cigarettes a day, and 25 continued to smoke during the trek with an average SpO₂ value of 90.9% (SD 3.8) vs. 90.5% (SD 4.4) in non-smokers. In 308 who provided their height and weight, 219 had a normal BMI, and 76 had pre-adiposity. Conclusion: The preexisting health conditions of trekkers included a broad spectrum of diagnoses and fitness. Exacerbations of some of these conditions can be consequential when compounded by remote locations, AMS and limited or no access to comprehensive health care. Most would have benefited from comprehensive pre-travel medical advice.

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1 Health Promotion & Physical Activity

1 2024

1 Apel C.

1 Bertsch D.

1 Cerfontaine C.

1 Gieseler U.

1 Graß M.

1 Haunolder M.

1 Heussen N. M.

1 Hundt N.

1 Jäger J.

1 Kühn C.

1 Küpper T.

1 Morrison A.

1 Musiol S.

1 Schöffl V.

1 Szymczak R.

1 Teległów A.

1 Timmermann L.

1 Wernitz K.

1 van der Giet M.

1 van der Giet S.

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Trekking with non-cardiovascular preexisting health conditions at altitude