AIM  To evaluate the right ventricular structure and function of high altitude hypoxic acclimatization population by using four-dimensional echocardiography and to explore its clinical value.

  METHODS  A random selection of 60 officers and soldiers of a garrison in the Zaduo area of Yushu was used as the plateau hypoxic training group and 60 members of the Qinghai medical aid team who entered the Zaduo area for the first time were selected as the control group. Four-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure the end diastolic ventricular septal thickness (IVST), diastolic right ventricular anterior wall thickness (RVAWD) and diastolic right ventricular diameter (RVd) as right ventricular structural parameters, pulmonary artery diameter (MPA), main pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), right ventricular normal ejection fraction (RVEF), RVSV, RVFAC, RVEDV, RVESV, RVFLS and IVSLS.

  RESULTS  Compared with those in the control group, RVAWD and RVd were increased and IVST did not change significantly in the hypoxic acclimatization group. Compared with those in the control group, RVEF, RVFLS and RVFAC were significantly decreased and RVSV was significantly increased in the hypoxic acclimatization group (P<0.01). RVEDV and RVESV were not significantly increased and IVSLS was not significantly decreased. Compared with those in the control group, MPA and PASP were increased to varying degrees in the hypoxic acclimatization group and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01).

  CONCLUSION  Four-dimensional echocardiography more objectively and truly reflects the early changes of right ventricular functions in high altitude hypoxic acclimatization people, which provides data support for screening and prevention of altitude sickness and is worthy of popularization and application.