Advances in research of risk factors for acute high-altitude sickness

Abstract

Acute high-altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or acute mild altitude sickness, seriously affects the health of individuals entering the plateau and compromises their capacities for military operations. Multiple risk factors affect the occurrence and progression of AMS. Herein we analyze the factors contributing to AMS in light of the nervous and circulatory systems, psychological factors, altitudes and low temperatures, smoking and drinking, gender and age, and transportation methods. We reviewed the research progress in the risk factors of AMS to provide evidence for developing AMS prevention and treatment measures, thereby reducing the occurrence of AMS and improving the combat performance of military forces entering high-altitude areas.

Keywords

• acute mountain sickness
• medical geography
• high-altitude sickness
• risk factors