[Mitral valve prolapse in residents of different altitudes in the Tien Shan and Pamirs].

A study was made of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 1197 Kirghiz mountain-dwellers aged 16 to 22 living constantly at different altitudes of the Tien Shan and the Pamirs. MVP was detected in 24 persons (10.9%) living at an altitude of 3600-4200 m above sea level using the method of echocardiography. At middle altitudes (2020 m) it was detected in 23 persons (3.1%) and at foothills (760 m) in 4 persons (1.7%). It was shown that MVP in inhabitants at high altitudes was accompanied by more pronounced subjective symptomatology, frequently with various rhythm disorders, hypertrophy of the right ventricle and interventricular septum. It was found appropriate that mountain-dwellers with MVP should be attributed to a risk group with adequate prophylactic medical examination.