Inverse association between pre-high-altitude potassium levels and coronary microvascular disease at high altitude: a case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

High-altitude hypoxia is known to impair cardiac microvascular function, a pathophysiological state recognized as coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). This study aimed to investigate the independent association between serum potassium levels and the risk of developing CMVD, after controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 1,175 trainees with long-term exposure to high altitude (≥3,000 m), comprising 235 patients with CMVD (cases) and 940 healthy controls. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to systematically evaluate the associations of traditional risk factors and serum potassium levels with the risk of CMVD.

Results

A

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12408258 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature