Establishing altitude-based coagulation reference ranges in Western Sichuan

The diagnosis and treatment of diseases in plateau regions should incorporate altitude, sex, and age in addition to hematological indicators from plain regions. This study analyzed coagulation results among individuals living at different altitudes in the Western Sichuan Plateaus and belonging to different sex and age groups to examine patterns of change and determine normal ranges. By comparing the changes in coagulation indicators among healthy male and female residents of different age groups (< 40 years, 40-59 years, ≥ 60 years) from Guza (1,400 m), Kangding (2,500 m), Luhuo (3,400 m), and Litang (4,100 m), we analyzed the association between coagulation indicators and altitude, age, and sex. Under low temperature, hypoxia, and other plateau environment factors, coagulation indicators varied among different altitudes, with some indicators showing specific trends of change with increasing altitude. Different sexes and age groups also exhibited specific patterns of change in coagulation results. This study clarified the patterns of change in coagulation results at four different altitudes in the Western Sichuan Plateau and the effects of sex and age on coagulation function. Normal ranges of coagulation values were determined for different sexes and age groups at different altitudes, providing a scientific basis for healthcare in this region.