Tim Takken1, Alyanne Evertse1, Fleur de Waard1, Mandy Spoorenburg1, Martijn Kuijpers1, Christian Schroer2,3, Erik H. Hulzebos1
Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.6, pp. 1005-1012, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12850
Abstract Background: Traveling to high altitude has become more popular. High‐altitude
exposure causes hypobaric hypoxia. Exposure to acute high altitude, during air travel
or mountain stays, seems to be safe for most patients with congenital heart disorders
(CHD). Still, current guidelines for CHD patients express concerns regarding safety
of altitude exposure for patients with a Fontan circulation. Therefore, investigating
hemodynamic and pulmonary responses of acute high‐altitude exposure (±2500 m)
at rest and during maximal exercise in patients with Fontan circulation can provide
clarity in this dispute and may contribute to improvement of clinical counseling.
Methods: Twenty‐one Fontan patients… More >