Occurrence of acute myocardial infarction in winter tourists: data from a retrospective questionnaire

Abstract

The majority of AMIs in winter tourists happens within the first 2 days after arrival and within the first 2 days of physical activity.

Factors influencing the time-point of acute myocardial infarction in winter tourists

“…This allowed for a study design similar to previous case-crossover designs to identify triggers for AMI [5,6]. Factors which influence the time from arrival at the mountain resort to the occurrence of AMI are likely to be such "triggers".We previously concluded that the combination of unaccustomed strenuous physical exertion at high altitudes and low temperatures might account for our results [1]. Data on single predictors, however, were not evaluated until now.…”

“…Furthermore, myocardial energy metabolism might be related to the total working capacity [11]. Unacclimatized exposure to high altitudes and sudden physical exertion might explain our findings [1,12].Notably, a stronger inverse correlation was found between the time from the first physical activity during the vacation and the sea level (r= 0.328, p = 0.001). AMIs above 1200 m occurred on the first day of exercise in N50% of the cases (median: 0.9 [0.5-3.2] days), whereas AMIs below this altitude happened after 2.6 [1.3-4.6] days (p= 0.001).…”

“…Patients lived at lower sea levels and most were physically active for less than 2.5 h per week [1].…”

“…Data on single predictors, however, were not evaluated until now. In this study, we investigated patients' characteristics that influence the time-period from arrival at high altitudes to occurrence of AMI.The study design is described in detail elsewhere [1]. Briefly, after obtaining written informed consent for study participation, we interviewed 110 patients (female: 19%; mean age: 60.2 ±10.7 years) who suffered an AMI during their winter holidays in Tyrol.…”

“…Patients lived at lower sea levels and most were physically active for less than 2.5 h per week [1].Physical exertion [2] and low ambient temperatures [3] might, beside others, trigger ischemic symptoms and AMI during winter sports activities. Furthermore, a lack of acclimatization to high altitudes leads to decreased aerobic exercise performance, expressed as a decrease in maximal oxygen uptake [4].…”