Epidemiology of Cardiac Events During Prehospital Care in Mountain Rescues Conducted in Aragón

Abstract

Introduction-Cardiac events are one of the leading causes of death in the Spanish population. Given the increase in the nontraumatic medical conditions found in mountain rescues, the objective of this study was to report on the heart conditions of patients rescued in the mountains of Arag on in the Spanish Pyrenees.Methods-We conducted a retrospective observational study based on data collected from patients' medical histories for rescues undertaken in from 2010 to 2016 (at altitudes between 500 m [1640 ft] and 3404 m [11,168 ft]).Results-Of the 2079 individuals rescued from 2010 to 2016, 34 (2%) were diagnosed with heart conditions, accounting for 21% of all nontraumatic medical conditions. The data showed a statistically significant increase in the age of the rescued patients with heart conditions (55 §15 y) and those with acute coronary syndrome/sudden death (60 §8 y). Eighty-five percent of the rescued patients with heart conditions were men, 62% were rescued above 2000 m (6500 ft), 42% had acute coronary syndrome (of whom 56% had inferior infarction), and 35% died suddenly.Conclusions-Arag on mountain rescues show an increase in patient age in recent years. The most common medical case among rescued individuals with heart conditions was a hiker over the age of 50 y with cardiovascular risk factors, inferior infarction, and occurrence at an altitude above 2000 m. Based on our observations, appropriate training should be undertaken, especially by older hikers, who may also benefit from cardiac screening, and rescue vehicles/personnel and mountain huts should be equipped with semiautomatic external defibrillators.

Influence of physical strain at high altitude on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

“…Recent years have shown a soaring development of mountain tourism, including a large share of elderly tourists and those with increased cardiovascular risk [6]. Mountain rescue services face increasing numbers of non-traumatic cardiac arrest calls [7,8].…”

In Reply to Dr Soteras et al

“…6 Before the permit system, crowding during busy periods on the Half Dome cables and summit impeded visitors' ability to descend the cables freely. 2 The National Park Service is clear in its public information regarding the Half Dome permit system and indicates that the permit system in no way guarantees visitors will be safe. 7 In fact, the National Park Service clearly states in the Half Dome Stewardship Plan that challenge, risk, injury, and even death are inherent elements of wilderness.…”

“…We thank Soteras et al 1 for their interest in our recently published article on cardiac events in mountain rescues, 2 and we acknowledge their previous contribution in the field. 3 We are truly grateful for the opportunity to clarify certain points that could have been potentially misunderstood.…”

Cardiovascular Risk Profiles and Pre-Existing Health Conditions of Trekkers in the Solu-Khumbu Region, Nepal

“…Although results differ from region to region, such data are available for the European Alps [ 4 , 5 ], or the Pyrenees [ 6 ], where they indicate a quite low rate of incidences., e.g. Faulhaber No data were found on the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.…”