Living at Elevation: Medical Conditions to Watch Out For

In last month’s newsletter, we discussed some of the benefits of living at elevation as well as ways to adjust for optimal health. Now let’s take a look at certain medical conditions that can affect those of us living at higher elevations.  

Pulmonary Hypertension

Humans living at higher elevations – generally 8,000 feet or so above sea level – can develop Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS), which causes excessive red blood cell production leading to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. (Santa Fe sits around 7200 feet elevation.)

Excessive red blood cell production causes blood to be thicker, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood and increases the risk of developing a blood clot. The strain on the heart can worsen existing heart conditions and increase the risk of heart failure. 

With low levels of oxygen in the blood, the arteries in the lungs constrict in a process called pulmonary vasoconstriction, which over time, can cause arteries going to the lungs to develop high blood pressure. This can be another cause of increased strain on the heart and when combined with other lung diseases can be fatal. 

Lung Infections

The back of the throat (the posterior pharynx) is filled with protective antibodies that help you defend against common viruses like flu or COVID-19. Dry air at high elevations can thin the pharynx’s mucous defense barrier, making you more prone to infection, which can lead to respiratory infections, respiratory fluid buildup, reduced blood oxygen levels and lung damage. 

Reduced humidity can also dry out airways and make them more vulnerable to bacteria, while the cold air can hinder the ability of the lungs to clear debris and mucus. 

As the body mounts an inflammatory response to infection, fluid can accumulate in the respiratory tract, making breathing more difficult and coughing more severe – and increasing the already high risk of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). This fluid can lower oxygen levels, further increasing the severity of an infection and hindering the body’s ability to fight back. 

Defend Yourself!

High elevations can be harsh on the body, but you can protect yourself and relieve symptoms with some simple inventions. 

First, consult your provider, who may recommend some of the following:

Chronic Mountain Sickness: To counteract Chronic Mountain Sickness, your provider may prescribe Acetazolamide (brand name Diamox), which stimulates breathing to increase oxygen intake. Aspirin and vitamin D help decrease the risk of blood clots – and aspirin has the added benefit of decreasing inflammation that can otherwise hinder oxygen transfer. Beta blockers and Viagra can decrease vasoconstriction, lowering the risk of pulmonary edema.

Lung Infections: To safeguard the protective antibodies that help you defend against common viruses, stay hydrated to keep the throat moist. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to reduce irritation that can degrade your mucosal defenses. Get vaccinated and mask up to avoid exposure during cold and flu season. 

Time For an Oxygen Bump?

Those not accustomed to high elevation might suffer temporary symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and/or insomnia. After a few days, the symptoms will likely dissipate – but for quick relief, you may want to try canned oxygen or a session at an oxygen bar. 

Also, stay hydrated, minimize sun exposure and temper alcohol to give yourself the best chance of feeling great while in our beautiful region. And of course, if symptoms persist, contact your provider.