Frequency of Cardiovascular Diseases among Ski Mountaineers in the Austrian Alps

Abstract In recent years, mountain sports, especially ski mountaineering, are practised by increasing numbers. Although a high percentage of elderly with cardiovascular diseases is estimated, little is known about the real frequency of cardiovascular diseases among ski mountaineers. The goal of this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sports medicine 2007-01, Vol.28 (1), p.78-81
Main Authors: Faulhaber, M., Flatz, M., Burtscher, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Aged
Austria - epidemiology
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiovascular Diseases - epidemiology
Child
Clinical Sciences
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mountaineering - physiology
Sampling Studies
Sex Distribution
Skiing - physiology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
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Summary:Abstract In recent years, mountain sports, especially ski mountaineering, are practised by increasing numbers. Although a high percentage of elderly with cardiovascular diseases is estimated, little is known about the real frequency of cardiovascular diseases among ski mountaineers. The goal of this study was to provide data on the frequency of cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease with and without myocardial infarction, hypertension, arrhythmias), collected among a representative sample of 937 ski mountaineers in the Austrian Alps. Data of 934 questionnaires were included into the evaluation. Regarding the whole sample, 5.8 % (95 % CI: 4.3 - 7.3 %) of the ski mountaineers are afflicted with at least one cardiovascular disease. The frequency of cardiovascular diseases is age dependent and more pronounced in men. Hypertension is the dominant cardiovascular disease in ski mountaineers. All persons with coronary artery disease with or without prior myocardial infarction and 79 % of the persons with cardiovascular diseases in general are males over the age of 40 years. Scientific research should provide the basis of an optimal risk management for this group of persons.
ISSN:0172-4622
1439-3964
DOI:10.1055/s-2006-924053