GTA

Support: Henry Ford Health Global Health Initiative, USA

Partner: Shree Gangalal National Heart Center, National Association of Tours and Travel Agents, Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneur Association Nepal

Status : Phase Out

Objectives: This project aims to assess the prevalence and physiological impact of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) among adult Sherpas who are regularly exposed to extreme altitudes above 4,000 meters. To achieve this, saline contrast (bubble) studies will be conducted to identify 10 Sherpas with PFO or ASD, who will then undergo cardiopulmonary fitness testing, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement, and body temperature assessment. These tests will be conducted both at high altitude and at sea level and compared against a control group of 10 Sherpas without PFO or ASD. In addition to data collection, the project includes a strong capacity-building component by training local cardiologists and cardiac nursing staff in conducting transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with bubble studies, enabling local health teams to conduct right heart screening independently and strengthening their ability to assess cardiopulmonary risks associated with high-altitude exposure.

Outcome: The expected outcomes of this project include generating evidence on the association between interatrial shunts (PFO/ASD) and increased risk of hypoxemia, contributing to better understanding the risk of high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema (HAPE and HACE) among Sherpas. The findings will help guide the development of targeted cardiac screening protocols for high-altitude workers, improving early identification of at-risk individuals. Furthermore, by training local healthcare providers in advanced cardiac screening techniques, the project will enhance local capacity for high-altitude cardiopulmonary risk assessment, ensuring sustained benefits beyond the study period.