Is There a Correlation Between High Altitude and Blood Pressure?
It’s easy to see the allure of the mountain lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities surrounded by breathtaking views. This is one of the primary reasons why so many people choose to either live in high-altitude locations or vacation at high altitude.
While the active lifestyle benefits associated with high altitude locations are numerous, it’s also important to understand the potential negative effects altitude may have on your health. One of these relates to blood pressure. Numerous studies have found a correlation between high altitude and an increase in blood pressure.
How Does High Altitude Impact Blood Pressure?
High altitude locations – typically considered to be anywhere above 9,840 feet – tend to have a significantly lower atmospheric pressure than is found near sea level. As a result, your body takes in less oxygen with each breath. This causes your body’s heart rate to increase to pump more blood with each beat and ensure your organs receive sufficient oxygen.
When your heart rate rises to accommodate for the lower oxygen levels in your body, it also results in a temporary increase in your blood pressure while your body adapts to these lower oxygen levels. This is due to the fact that oxygen deprivation increases the activity in your body’s sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight nervous system), causing your heart to work harder and your peripheral blood vessels to constrict. This places additional pressure on the walls of your arteries, elevating your blood pressure.
Does Living at High Altitude Predispose You to High Blood Pressure?
A summary of a meta-analysis presented by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine discusses a significant correlation between high altitude and the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. This study evaluated the relationship between altitude and high blood pressure for individuals living in Tibet, one of the highest-altitude regions in the world. According to their findings, between 23-56% of individuals assessed in eight separate surveys experienced high blood pressure. In addition, there was a 2% increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure for every 100 m increase in altitude (approximately 328 feet).
Keep in mind that to be considered a high-altitude location, you must be above 9,840 feet. Very few cities or towns in the United States are at this elevation. Therefore, the number of people who are considered to live at high altitude in this country is very small. That being said, if you do live near or above 9,840, it’s important to have your blood pressure monitored regularly.
Can I Travel to High Altitude if I Have High Blood Pressure?
Individuals with high blood pressure may be at increased risk of adverse health consequences when traveling to high-altitude locations. But the good news is that with the right precautions and preparation, you can most likely travel safely at high altitudes, even if you have high blood pressure. These preventive measures include:
- Talk to your doctor – Prior to traveling to high altitude, consult your doctor to make sure it’s safe to travel and find out if any adjustments to your medication will be necessary during your trip.
- Ascend gradually – To minimize your risk of health complications, spend at least one night at around 8,000 feet at the start of your trip before ascending all the way to a high-altitude location. If you’re planning on traveling to altitudes significantly higher than 10,000 feet, don’t ascend more than 2,000 feet a day after this initial ascent to 8,000 feet.
- Hydrate – You’re likely to experience dehydration when you travel to high altitude locations, and this can further increase your blood pressure. Make sure to drink plenty of water to minimize your risk of dehydration.
- Reduce salt intake – This will help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.
- Bring extra medication – This is a smart precaution to take in order to ensure you don’t run out of medication if you have to increase your dosage during your trip.
South Denver Cardiology Associates Can Help You Manage Your High Blood Pressure
If you’re planning on traveling to a high altitude location, South Denver Cardiology Associates can help you safely manage your high blood pressure – both during your trip and when you return to Denver.
Our Prevention Clinic provides comprehensive treatments and therapies to keep your blood pressure at save levels (should this be the prevention clinic? I defer to Paul). You can also take advantage of our nutritional counseling services and medical fitness gym to make lifestyle adjustments that will help you maintain healthier blood pressure levels.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
- Can I Shovel Snow with a Heart Condition? - March 18, 2024
- 6 Tips for Resuming Outdoor Exercise this Spring - March 11, 2024
- Early Signs of Heart Disease - February 26, 2024
Sign Up
As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
Sign Up