The prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) is higher among those who live at higher altitudes, and more prevalent among females, according to a new study presented at ACC Latin America 2024.

Jean Pierre Eduardo Zila-Velasque, MD, et al., conducted a systematic analysis that identified 22 cross-sectional and cohort studies that assessed the prevalence of CHD in high-altitude populations (>1,500 meters above sea level) and then conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses. In total, the study included 1,180,544 participants (47.6% female) under the age of 20 years from China, Turkey, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and the U.S.

Overall results showed that the prevalence of CHD among those living above 1,500 meters was 8.97% (95% CI, 3.54%-16.53%) and was more frequent in females. By altitude levels, the prevalence of CHD was 6.8% of participants living at 1,500-2,500 meters, 14.47% at 2,500-3,500 meters, 7.26% at 3,500-4,500 and 1.52% at ≥4,500 meters.

The most common heart disease was atrial septal defect, which occurred in 29.9% of participants. Additionally, the study showed that CHD was more prevalent in rural environments (7.86%), South American countries (32.44%) and native people (12.70%).

"There is an underdiagnosed prevalence of congenital heart disease because not all high-altitude regions have the health resources for its evaluation, management and follow-up," said Zila-Velasque. He pointed to lower oxygen levels and increased physical strain as two unique cardiovascular concerns for the population and called for additional resources to successfully manage CHD. "This can be achieved through enhanced screening and monitoring. Implementing regular cardiovascular health screenings for residents and workers in high-altitude areas could help us identify and manage hypertension, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular conditions early," he said.

The ACC along with the ACC Dominican Republic Chapter and the Dominican Society for Cardiology are hosting ACC Latin America 2024, Sept. 19-21 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. For the first time the conference will be held in the Caribbean, bringing together leading experts to engage on topics spanning the entire field of cardiovascular medicine.

"In keeping with ACC's Global vision, the conference has been structured so that regional providers benefit from an unprecedented activity, including unique opportunities to network with faculty directly involved in the science being discussed," says Cesar Herrera, MD, FACC, ACC Latin America 2024 co-chair. "Given Latin America's cardiovascular disease prevalence and subsequent challenges, bringing the latest science to the region will ultimately benefit the care of populations in need." Adds Co-Chair Juan Aranda, Jr., MD, FACC, "This year's topics of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, prevention and women's heart disease will allow physicians from Latin America to share ideas and best practices in treating cardiovascular disease in the region."

Clinical Topics: Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies, Congenital Heart Disease, CHD and Pediatrics and Quality Improvement, Acute Heart Failure

Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Defects, Congenital, Heart Failure, Heart Septal Defects, Atrial, Social Determinants of Health, Health Services Accessibility