The newest issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension, the official journal of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, is guest-edited by Todd Bull, M.D., and explores the effect of high altitude on pulmonary function. In his “Guest Editor’s Memo,” Dr. Bull acknowledges “the satisfaction and joy of ascending our high peaks,” but notes that high altitude affects pulmonary arteries and lung function. He says it’s critical to understand those effects.

In “From the Andes to the Rocky Mountains: A Historical View of High-Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension,” Christopher H. Chang, M.D., and Jeffrey C. Robinson, M.D., provide a historical look at high-altitude pulmonary hypertension. They recall early discoveries of PH in animals at high elevations, the first human studies in Peru and subsequent research in Colorado.

Impact of Altitude on Cardiopulmonary and Right Ventricular Hemodynamics During Exercise,” by William K. Cornwell, III, M.D., MSCS, and Andrew Lovering, Ph.D., explores how altitude affects cardiopulmonary and right ventricular hemodynamics during exercise.

A Life at High Altitude: A Conversation with Todd Bull and Peter Hackett” features a fascinating conversation between the guest editor and Peter Hackett, M.D., of the Altitude Research Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Hackett discusses his career and experiences as a pioneer in high-altitude medicine.

In “PH Professional Network: Up, Up and Away: Clinical Considerations for Altitude-Related Travel and Pulmonary Hypertension,” Claire Parker, M.S., CPNP-AC; Amanda Schnell Heringer, R.N., M.S., AGCNS-BC; and Elise Hazlewood, R.N., M.S., CCNS, review the risks and recommendations for altitude-related travel and PH.

Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension is available online only and free of charge. Register on the Advances site to receive announcements with the table of contents when new issues are published.