Overview
West China Hospital, Sichuan University began developing a comprehensive system for the treatment of high-altitude diseases in the early 1980s. In 1982, the successful rescue of Japanese mountaineer Hiroya Matsuda attracted widespread international media attention, earning broad recognition for the hospital’s expertise in high-altitude medicine.
To meet the growing healthcare needs of populations in high-altitude regions and to advance the discipline, the Department of High-Altitude Medicine was established as a primary clinical department. In July 2023, it was approved as a National Key Clinical Specialty Development Project.
The department is equipped with inpatient beds, a comprehensive diagnostic laboratory, resuscitation facilities, and consultation rooms, supported by advanced medical equipment for evaluating the physiological effects of high-altitude environments. It routinely provides oxygen therapy, respiratory and circulatory assessment, neurological function evaluation, interventional procedures, and sleep monitoring.
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) for high-altitude medicine has been established, delivering integrated care across outpatient, inpatient, telemedicine, and online platforms.
Subspecialties
High-Altitude Neurological Disorders
Focusing on common neurological conditions in high-altitude regions—such as cerebrovascular diseases, seizure disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive impairment—the department provides:
A large-scale database has been established to identify risk factors, develop early warning systems, and implement targeted interventions, forming a comprehensive care system integrating prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management.
High-Altitude Cardiovascular Diseases
Targeting conditions such as high-altitude hypertension, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, and valvular heart disease, the department has established a specialized expert team for diagnosis and treatment.
It has developed demonstration centers for chronic disease management and hypertension control in high-altitude regions, offering:
Leveraging internet-based platforms and the independently developed “ZhuLong” chronic disease management system, the department collaborates with local healthcare providers to establish a joint hypertension management network in Tibetan regions.
High-Altitude Hematological Disorders
The department has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hematological conditions common at high altitude, particularly erythrocytosis and anemia.
Services include:
High-Altitude Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Hypoxia, low temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, and dietary factors contribute to a high prevalence of endocrine and metabolic disorders at high altitude, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia/gout, and osteoporosis.
This subspecialty focuses on standardized diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as providing guidance for chronic disease prevention and management in high-altitude settings.
High-Altitude Mental Health
Psychological disorders are more prevalent in hypoxic, high-altitude environments, particularly depression and anxiety.
The department has established a specialized team to provide routine diagnosis and treatment for high-altitude-related mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
High-Altitude Sleep Disorders
Sleep disturbances, especially insomnia and sleep-related breathing disorders, are common at high altitude.
Led by Professor Tang Xiangdong, this subspecialty focuses on both clinical care and research in high-altitude sleep medicine. The team has published over 170 SCI-indexed papers in leading journals such as Sleep, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Biological Psychiatry, Thorax, Chest, and Hypertension. It has undertaken more than 20 research projects with total funding exceeding RMB 70 million, including multiple projects specifically focused on high-altitude sleep disorders.
High-Altitude Rehabilitation
The department provides comprehensive rehabilitation services, including:
An integrated team of rehabilitation physicians, therapists, and nurses delivers coordinated rehabilitation care for patients with high-altitude diseases.
High-Altitude Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases are highly prevalent and impose a significant burden in high-altitude regions. The department has established a specialized team for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as:
In addition, it provides care for common respiratory diseases in high-altitude regions, including chronic airway diseases, non-tuberculous pulmonary infections, interstitial lung disease, sleep-disordered breathing, and lung cancer.
Available diagnostic and treatment technologies include:
The team has undertaken multiple provincial and ministerial-level research projects, including studies on chronic respiratory diseases in high-altitude regions and the development of portable oxygen-generation devices. It has published numerous research papers and applied for multiple related patents.
Clinical Strengths
The Department of High-Altitude Medicine delivers comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and technology-driven care, integrating clinical services, research, and innovation to address the unique healthcare challenges of high-altitude environments.
