Leh, Aug 30: The Headquarter Fire and Fury Corps successfully hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conference titled “Cardiovascular Morbidities in High Altitude Areas – Current Concept” at the Raina Auditorium on August 30-31, 2024. The conference focused on the significant cardiovascular health challenges faced by individuals, particularly Indian Army soldiers, stationed in high-altitude regions.
The event commenced with a prestigious inaugural ceremony, attended by senior military officials including Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps, and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, Chief of Staff of the Fire and Fury Corps. Notably, the event received best wishes via video conferencing from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command and Lt Gen Sadhana S Nair, VSM, Director General of Medical Services (Army).
The ceremony began with a traditional Saraswati Vandana, followed by a Buddhist prayer, symbolizing the fusion of knowledge, peace, and harmony. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp set the tone for the conference, aimed at spreading knowledge and wisdom among the participants. Lt Gen Velu Nair AVSM, PVSM, VSM** (Retd), an eminent hematologist, delivered the keynote address, followed by a guest lecture from Dr. Alok Srivastava, Head of the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
The two-day conference covered a comprehensive range of topics, from the effects of reduced oxygen levels on myocardial blood flow to the prevalence of cardiovascular morbidities among soldiers in high-altitude areas. Discussions included the cardiovascular adaptations required for individuals living temporarily at high altitudes and the potential risk factors for altitude sickness.
Experts emphasized the critical need for specialized cardiovascular care tailored to the unique challenges posed by high-altitude environments. The event provided a platform for healthcare professionals and researchers to exchange knowledge on the latest research findings and best practices in managing cardiovascular conditions under these extreme conditions. The young medical officers attending the conference gained invaluable insights, benefiting greatly from the discussions and presentations.
High-altitude environments, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), present unique physiological challenges due to reduced oxygen availability. The body’s response to hypoxia—characterized by increased pulmonary ventilation, heart rate, and hemoglobin concentration—places significant strain on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure are particularly vulnerable to adverse events, including sudden cardiac death, at such altitudes.
The conference highlighted the various impacts of high-altitude exposure on cardiovascular conditions, including acute coronary syndrome, cerebral venous thrombosis, stroke, pulmonary thromboembolism, and deep vein thrombosis. Preventive strategies were discussed, with experts recommending gradual acclimatization, proper hydration, and avoidance of alcohol to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness and related complications.
A key takeaway from the event was the urgent need for more research to refine clinical guidelines for managing cardiovascular morbidities in high-altitude areas. Current guidelines are based on limited studies, and the conference called for collaborative efforts to develop evidence-based protocols that can be universally applied to protect at-risk populations.
Several case studies presented by young medical officers underscored the real-world challenges of high-altitude deployments, where severe cardiovascular complications can arise. These presentations reinforced the importance of personalized care plans and heightened awareness among healthcare providers regarding the risks associated with high-altitude environments.
The CME conference concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing education, research, and collaboration in the field of cardiovascular health in high-altitude areas. As the deployment of Indian Army personnel in these regions increases, the insights gained from this conference will be crucial in improving outcomes for soldiers and others at risk of cardiovascular events in such challenging settings.
