Registry of Cardiac Conditions at Altitude

Help build the evidence for safe, high-altitude travel and exercise in people living with cardiac conditions

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is running a UK-based, prospective registry looking at how cardiac conditions behave at high altitude. There is currently very little real-world evidence to guide clinicians on whether patients with cardiac disease can safely travel and exercise above altitude, meaning some patients may be unnecessarily restricted from travel while others may be underestimating genuine risk. This registry aims to build the largest real-world dataset of its kind internationally.

What it involves

This is an observational registry, not a clinical trial. No one is sent to altitude or asked to do anything they weren't already planning. Patients who are already planning to exercise above 2,500m (skiing, trekking, mountaineering, or similar) simply complete a short questionnaire before travelling and another on their return, via a secure online database (REDCap). It takes a few minutes each time.

Who can take part

Adults aged 18 or over, with a pre-existing cardiac diagnosis (including inherited cardiac conditions), who are planning to exercise above 2,500m.

Why it matters to our membership

The aim is to identify patients who would fit the criteria to enrol. Dr Patrick Hayle can either show you

how to enrol these patients yourselves or enrol them on your behalf. Many members of an inherited cardiac conditions group are likely to be young, active, and keen to travel — exactly the population this registry is designed to help. Taking part gives patients a direct route to contribute to the evidence base that will shape future travel advice for people with the same condition.

Contact for enrolment or further information

Dr Patrick Hayle, Consultant Cardiologist, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital - research@lhch.nhs.uk