秘鲁安第斯山慢性间歇性低压缺氧暴露工人的心率变异性与心电图参数：一项横断面研究

Abstract

Chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia is an occupational exposure experienced by workers who alternate between high-altitude worksites and lower-altitude resting locations. Its effects on cardiac autonomic modulation and electrocardiographic parameters remain insufficiently characterized in Andean workers. This study aimed to compare heart rate variability and electrocardiographic parameters between workers exposed to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia and controls working permanently at lower altitude in Arequipa, Peru. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 96 male workers aged 20–60 years. The exposed group included 53 workers performing rotational shifts at altitudes ≥3,000 m above sea level with rest periods at <2,500 m, while the control group included 43 workers working permanently at <2,500 m. Heart rate variability was assessed during the morning rest period in Arequipa, at approximately 2,300 25 m above sea level, using a Polar® H10 heart rate sensor after 15 minutes of rest. Participants also underwent standard 12-lead electrocardiography. Vital signs were clinically similar between groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in PR interval, corrected QT interval, time-domain heart rate variability parameters, or frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters. In this sample of apparently healthy male workers evaluated during their rest period at moderate altitude, exposure to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia was not associated with significant differences in resting heart rate variability or standard electrocardiographic parameters.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Clinical Protocols

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FIN9l1Qs92938qz-aLkfMVV30GI8knAR?usp=sharing

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Research involving human subjects: The ethics committee that reviewed and approved this study was that of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (reference number 268-26-21). Informed consent was obtained in writing and bore the official signature of the institutional research ethics committee (registration code 21005).

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