Other and unspecified effects of high altitude

Other and Unspecified Effects of High Altitude

Altitude affects the human body in a number of ways, many of which are well-known. Lesser-known, however, are a few other effects of extreme altitude that can be just as serious.

Lightheadedness and Dizziness

Climbing to a higher altitude can cause lightheadedness and dizziness due to decreased oxygen reaching the brain. This can be a precursor to a high-altitude cerebral edema, which is potentially life-threatening.

Increase in Thirst

People living at high altitudes tend to imbibe more fluids. This is due to an increased sensitivity to thirst in the lower oxygen levels. People living at high altitudes should drink as much as 2-3 times the amount of water as people living at sea level.

Sleep disturbances

When exposed to lower oxygen levels, people will often have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. The cause is thought to be a combination of increased stress on the body as well as an increase in the hormone norepinephrine.

Increase in Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that people climbing to higher altitudes can experience a rise in their blood pressure due to the decrease in oxygen at higher altitudes.

Gastrointestinal Disturbances

High-altitude climbing can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is thought to be caused by altitude-induced fluid and electrolyte imbalances. These symptoms can start even at moderate altitudes, and can be difficult to treat at high altitudes.

Heart Arrhythmia

Exposure to higher altitudes can cause a disruption in the heart's normal rhythm. This isdue to the stress placed on the heart by the reduced oxygen supply. People with existing heart conditions should be particularly careful about climbing to high altitudes.