Stroke in High-Altitude Areas

Abstract

Background: Stroke poses a significant social and familial burden on populations worldwide. While research on stroke in low-altitude areas is extensive, there remains a considerable gap in stroke research in high-altitude regions.

Methods: A computer-based search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to retrieve literature on stroke in high-altitude areas. Cross-referencing was performed using available articles and other scientific search engines. Relevant studies on stroke in high-altitude regions were included in this review.

Results: A total of five review articles, two systematic reviews and meta-analyses, three cross-sectional studies, nine retrospective clinical studies (including case reports and case-control studies), one commentary, one letter, and three animal studies were included in this literature review. All data were sourced from high-altitude regions.

Conclusion: We explored the contribution of environmental and individual factors in high-altitude areas to the occurrence and progression of stroke, and highlighted the current research advances in ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, post-stroke cognitive impairment in high-altitude regions, and flight-related stroke. In light of the current limitations in research on stroke in these areas, we propose feasible directions for future studies, aiming to provide insights for future research on stroke in high-altitude regions.

Keywords: flight‐associated stroke; high altitude; post‐stroke cognitive impairment; stroke.