Leh Aug 30 :- Headquarter Fire and Fury Corps conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conference on “Cardiovascular Morbidities in High Altitude Area- Current Concept” at Raina Auditorium on 30 Aug 2024. The event was focused on cardiovascular morbidities in high-altitude areas. This event explored the impact of high-altitude environments on cardiovascular health especially amongst Indian Army soldiers, a critical area of study given the unique physiological challenges posed by such settings.
The event commenced with a distinguished inaugural ceremony. The event was graced by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Fire and Fury Corps, and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, Chief of Staff of Fire and Fury Corps. The occasion was further honored by the presence of GOC-in-C Northern Command and Lt Gen Sadhana S Nair, VSM, Director General Medical Services (Army), who conveyed their best wishes via video conferencing.
The inaugural session began with a traditional Saraswati Vandana, paying homage to the Goddess of Knowledge, followed by a Buddhist prayer, symbolizing peace and harmony. This was succeeded by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, signifying the illumination of knowledge and wisdom that the conference aimed to spread among its participants. The keynote address was delivered by Lt Gen Velu Nair AVSM, PVSM, VSM** (Retd) and eminent hematologist followed by guest lecture by Dr Alok Srivastava, Head of Department, Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
The conference covered a range of topics, including the effects of reduced oxygen levels on myocardial blood flow, the prevalence of various cardiovascular morbidities in Indian Army soldier, and the potential risk factors for altitude sickness. Discussions also extended to adaptations of the cardiovascular system in individuals living at high altitudes temporarily.
This event highlighted the importance of tailored cardiovascular care for populations in high-altitude areas, emphasizing the need for specialised medical strategies to manage and prevent related health issues. The conference provided a platform for experts to share recent research findings and to discuss the best practices for treating cardiovascular conditions in these challenging environments by which young medical officers were greatly benefitted. The conference, attended by healthcare professionals and researchers, aimed to discuss the challenges and advancements in managing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) for populations living or traveling to high altitudes.
High-altitude environments, typically defined as elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), present unique physiological challenges due to reduced oxygen availability. The body’s response to hypoxia—low oxygen levels—involves increasing pulmonary ventilation, heart rate, and hemoglobin concentration to sustain oxygen delivery. However, these adaptations put additional strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure. The risk of adverse events, including sudden cardiac death, escalates with increased altitude due to the higher demands on the heart.
The conference highlighted the varying impacts of high-altitude exposure on different cardiovascular conditions including acute coronary syndrome, cerebral venous thrombosis, stroke, pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Experts at the conference emphasised the importance of preventive strategies for those at risk. Recommendations include gradual acclimatization to allow the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, maintaining proper hydration, and avoiding alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration and altitude sickness.
The event underscored the need for more research to refine clinical guidelines for managing cardiovascular morbidities at high altitudes. Current guidelines are based on limited studies and there is a pressing need for more extensive research to understand the long-term effects of high-altitude exposure on cardiovascular health. The conference called for collaborative efforts to develop evidence-based protocols that can be universally applied to protect vulnerable populations.
Several case studies were presented by the young medical officers serving in peripheral locations, illustrating real-world scenarios where high-altitude exposure led to severe cardiovascular complications. These cases reinforced the importance of personalised care plans and the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers about the risks associated with deployment of troops in high-altitude areas.
The conference on cardiovascular morbidities in high-altitude areas served as a crucial platform for discussing the latest concepts and challenges in this specialized field. As deployment of Indian Army in high-altitude areas increases, so does the importance of understanding and mitigating the cardiovascular risks associated with such environments. The event highlighted the need for continued education, research and collaboration to improve outcomes for patients at risk of cardiovascular events in high-altitude settings.
