Definition of High altitude pulmonary edema
High altitude pulmonary edema: Known for short as HAPE, the accumulation in the lungs of extravascular fluid (fluid outside of blood vessels) at high altitude, a consequence of rapid altitude ascent, especially when that ascent is accompanied by significant exercise.
HAPE leads to dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, tachycardia (fast heart rate) and decreased arterial oxygen levels. HAPE varies in degree from very mild to potentially fatal.
Some people may be genetically susceptible to HAPE.
People who develop HAPE have smaller lungs, higher pulmonary artery pressures, and higher pulmonary artery wedge pressures during exercise at sea level than those who do not develop HAPE.
The incidence of HAPE has been analyzed in a prospective study of people climbing a 4500-meter mountain. 15% of climbers had clearcut evidence of HAPE from examination of the chest (by stethoscope or X-ray) after their climb. There is probably a risk of HAPE for most climbers if the rate of ascent and degree of physical effort are great enough. (Lancet Jan. 24, 2002).
The planning and pacing of ascents is of critical importance. HAPE tends to be less frequent on well-planned ascents to much greater heights, despite the greater degree of hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels).
Last Editorial Review: 1/25/2002 6:12:00 AMCommon Misspellings: high altitude pulmonary adema, high altitude pulmonary oedema, high altitude pulmonary odema, high altitude pulmanary edema, high altitude pulmanary adema, high altitude pulmanary oedema, high altitude pulmanary odema, high altitude pulmenary edema, high altitude pulmenary adema, high altitude pulmenary oedema, high altitude pulmenary odema
- furosemide, Lasix - Describes the medication furosemide (Lasix), a drug used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and nephrotic syndrome.
- Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
Latest Medical News
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
Lungs RSS