High altitude affects several organs due to the decreased availability of oxygen.
According to research, the lack of oxygen at high altitude triggers a series of physiological responses that affect the organs of the body including the lungs, heart, brain and the kidneys.
Here’s a breakdown of how these organs are impacted:
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Lungs: At high altitudes, the air is thinner, which means less oxygen is available. The lungs have to work harder to extract oxygen from the air, which can lead to conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
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Heart: To compensate for the reduced oxygen levels, the heart pumps faster and harder to circulate blood more quickly. Over time, this can lead to high altitude heart disease.
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Brain: The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. High altitude can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which is a life-threatening condition.
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Kidneys: The kidneys play a role in acclimatization to high altitude by regulating fluid balance and producing erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. The kidneys work to maintain the body's pH balance, which can be disrupted at high altitudes.
