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High Altitude Task Force
More than 80 million people worldwide live in high altitude areas (>2500 metres above sea level). Studies indicate that factors linked to high altitude including low oxygen levels, vasculopathy and metabolic abnormalities alongside genetic predispositions, collectively contribute to the onset and advancement of PH.
The Task Force brings together researchers worldwide with an interest in the effects of hypoxia and high altitude on the pulmonary vasculature and related physiology. It raises awareness and understanding of pulmonary hypertension (PH) linked to high altitude and organises scientific conferences in high-altitude affected regions.
Webinars
The Task Force is organising a series of webinars on Hypoxia in pulmonary vascular research – altitude and beyond.
Upcoming webinars
- Epigenetic Strategies to Mitigate Acute Altitude-Induced Lung Injury by Cheng-Jun Hu on 5 May 2026
Past webinar recordings
- Do Travelers to High Altitude Need to Worry about their Blood Pressure? by Linda Keyes on 10 March 2026
- Iron and High Altitude by Martina Muckenthaler on 4 November 2025
- Role of inflammatory immune cells in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by Rahul Kumar on 1 July 2025
- La Rinconada Expedition 5300 – an overview of scientific results by Samuel Verges on 27 May 2025
- Acute altitude illnesses in COPD patients and healthy individuals at high altitude by Michael Furian on 15 April 2025
- Human metabolic responses to high altitude hypoxia by Andrew Murray on 5 November 2024
- Pulmonary hemodynamic acclimatization to high altitude – pathophysiological insights by Robert Naeije on 1 October 2024
Events
Upcoming events
- 8th International Leh Symposium 2026
The Task Force are currently planning for the 8th International Leh Symposium 2026 - Therapeutic targets & molecular mechanisms for pulmonary diseases in hypoxia.- Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Dates: 23 - 27 October 2026
Past recordings
- Satellite Meeting at PVRI Dublin 2026
The High Altitude Task Force held a satellite meeting at the most recent PVRI Congress in Dublin. The session explored the pathophysiology, clinical impact, and management of pulmonary hypertension at high altitude.
Watch the recordings here
Publications
- Hoyos, R., Lichtblau, M., Cajamarca, E., Mayer, L., Schwarz, E. I., et al. (2024) ‘Characteristics and risk profiles of patients with pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension living permanently at >2500 m of high altitude in Ecuador’. Pulmonary Circulation, 14(3), e12404.
- Chanana, N., Palmo, T., Sharma, K., Kumar, R., Graham, B., et al. (2020) ‘Sex-derived attributes contributing to SARS-CoV-2 mortality’. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 319(3), E562–E569.
- Chanana, N., Palmo, T., Newman, J. H., Pasha, M. A. Q. (2020) ‘Vascular homoeostasis at high altitude: role of genetic variants and transcription factors’. Pulmonary Circulation, 10(4).
Leaders
IDDI Workstreams and Task Forces
Want to be part of something special?
All PVRI members are welcome to join an IDDI Workstream or a Task Force.
Our Regional Task Forces don't yet have global coverage. If you're interested in starting one, please contact us.
2025–26 IDDI Workstream & Task Forces Report
PVRI’s latest report highlights how global IDDI Workstreams and Task Forces are accelerating progress in pulmonary hypertension research, care, and innovation. Discover key achievements from across regions and specialties.
Interested in accessing global data on PH patient experience?
Almost 4,000 patients and carers across 85 countries completed Phase 1 of our PH Global Patient Survey (PHGPS). Questions across all PH groups included diagnostic tests & timelines, genetic testing, treatments, financial burdens, hospital visits, research participation, quality of life, telemedicine, patient-reported outcome measures, and self-monitoring with digital technology. The findings have the potential to improve patient care, guide future research and help us address unmet needs.