Ascending beyond a certain elevation, typically around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), can lead to a condition known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on the Human Body During High-Altitude Climbing - High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
- Summit success rate
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
- Oxygen saturation
The heart attempts to compensate by increasing its rate and output; however, this can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular issues. Additionally, blood vessels in the brain may swell in response to hypoxia—the deficiency of oxygen—which contributes to AMS symptoms.
A more serious condition is high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), where swelling in the brain becomes life-threatening. HACE can cause confusion, loss of coordination, and even coma if untreated. The exact mechanisms behind HACE aren't fully understood but involve leakage from capillaries strained by increased blood flow compensating for low oxygen.
Similarly detrimental is high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), where fluid accumulates in the lungs. Symptoms include persistent coughing with frothy sputum and severe shortness of breath even at rest.
Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on the Human Body During High-Altitude Climbing - High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
- Oxygen saturation
- Physiological effects
- Summit attempts
- Climber's logbook
- Expedition planning
To mitigate these risks climbers should acclimatize gradually—allowing time for their bodies to adjust naturally—and consider taking medications such as acetazolamide which helps accelerate acclimatization through increased breathing rates and alkalization of blood pH.
Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on the Human Body During High-Altitude Climbing - Environmental impact
- Hydration strategies
- Summit success rate
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
- Oxygen saturation
- Physiological effects
- Summit attempts
Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on the Human Body During High-Altitude Climbing