Simone Moro Survives Heart Attack at 5,000m

The health crisis began on December 14, shortly after Simone Moro returned to base camp from the summit of Mera Peak. The 58-year-old alpinist experienced intense pain in his chest and left arm, signaling a cardiac event. The remote location and the nature of the ascent meant that immediate medical intervention was not possible.

Following the onset of symptoms, a complex logistical operation was required to evacuate the climber. It took a total of 24 hours for Moro to be transported from the mountain environment to a medical center in the capital city, Kathmandú. This delay significantly increased the risk to his life, as the climber later noted that time is the critical factor in surviving such an event.

After being stabilized in Kathmandú, Simone Moro was transferred to a hospital in Bérgamo for continued care. The medical team attending to him provided a sobering assessment of his situation. According to the Italian climber, the cardiologists explained that the likelihood of surviving a heart attack without reaching a hospital within a maximum of six hours is extremely low.

The statistics cited by the medical team were stark. Moro summarized the explanation he received, stating that only one in 1,000 people survives if they do not see a doctor within the six-hour window. Moro's delay of 24 hours placed him far outside this critical timeframe, making his survival a medical anomaly. He has since been described as a "lucky guy" by those familiar with his medical history and the circumstances of the rescue.

The ascent of Mera Peak was intended as an acclimatization phase for a more ambitious project. Simone Moro was preparing to tackle the winter ascent of Manaslu in alpine style. This expedition was to be a collaborative effort, with Moro joined by Nima Rinji and Oswald Rodrigo.

The heart attack has necessarily interrupted these high-altitude plans. The focus has shifted entirely to Moro's recovery. However, the experience has seemingly influenced his future objectives, turning his attention from climbing peaks to improving safety infrastructure in dangerous mountain ranges.

While recovering from his life-threatening medical event, Simone Moro has announced a significant new project. He revealed the creation of a dedicated air rescue service. The service is specifically planned for the Karakoram mountain range located in Pakistan.

This initiative suggests a pivot in Moro's career toward mountain safety and rescue logistics. The Karakoram is known for its challenging terrain and high peaks, where rapid rescue capabilities can be the difference between life and death. Moro's personal experience with delayed medical access likely serves as a driving force behind this new venture.