High-altitude pulmonary edema in Vail, Colorado, 1975-1982.

Between 1975 and 1982 a total of 47 cases of high-altitude pulmonary edema occurred in Vail, Colorado, elevation 2,500 m (8,200 ft). All occurred in visitors from lower altitudes. The mean age of the patients was 35.6 years, and 93% were men. Most patients had tachycardia, tachypnea and fever. The mean time of onset of cough and shortness of breath was 2.5 days after arrival. The average total ascent of the patients was 2,330 m (7,644 ft) in less than one day from a mean residential elevation of 170 m (556 ft). Also, 91% of the cases occurred between December and April, when the average daily temperature was -4.3 degrees C (24.3 degrees F) and the ambient barometric pressure was 22.37 in of mercury.