The term altitude means ‘the height of an object in relation to a given point i.e. sea level,’ Tulloch (1999). For the purpose of this essay though, I will consider the effects of high altitude on the body and the subsequent adaptations to its exposure. High altitude generally refers to terrestrial elevations which are between 10,000-18,000 feet above sea level, (McArdle Katch and Katch pg 603).
Adaptations to a change in altitude work towards acclimatisation. Acclimatisation means to ‘come accustom to a new set of conditions’, i.e. altitude, Tulloch (1999). This requires maintenance of homeostasis by increasing oxygen delivery to cells and the efficiency of oxygen utilisation, (Miasnikov, 2007). If homeostasis is not maintained then serious illnesses can onset which could result in hospitalisation and/or death. Such instances will be discussed later.
Upon ascent to high altitude the most obvious and known consequence is the decreased partial arterial pressure of......
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