Altitude Sickness

Faulty gene may explain why some fall ill at high altitudes

Published in Genomics and Genetics Weekly, August 30th, 2002

Two slight variations in a gene that helps maintain lung function increase the risk of high altitude sickness, a rare but potentially deadly breathing disorder, according to a report in the July 23, 2002 rapid-access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The findings may also help researchers find causes of other lung disorders. These include chronic mountain sickness, primary pulmonary hypertension, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) occurs in seemingly healthy people after rapid exposure to altitudes higher than 2500 meters (8175 feet), particularly when the people exert...

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Source: Genomics and Genetics Weekly (2002-08-30)

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