Physiology of High Altitude

At high altitudes, the air contains less oxygen, making it harder for your body to get the oxygen it needs. In response, your body adjusts through several mechanisms: increasing breathing rate to take in more oxygen, raising heart rate to circulate blood faster, and producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. Over time, these changes help you function better in low-oxygen environments. However, if the altitude is too high or adjustment is too rapid, it can lead to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, known as altitude sickness.