Why do people living at a high altitude seem to be red?
They seem to be reddish because of greater concentration of hemoglobin the oxygen carrying protein the main component of red blood cells.
Last updated on 19 May 2023
At high attitudes, hypoxia-induced erythropoietic drive results in erythrocytosis and an increase in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit. Hence people with SCD should be careful and report abnormalities to the doctor immediately.
At altitude, the reduced oxygen content of the blood induces breathing instability, with periods of deep and rapid breathing alternating with central apnea. This breathing pattern is called high-altitude periodic breathing (PB).
The cabin air pressure in an airplane is adjusted to compensate for these high altitudes. The oxygen level is comparable to levels found in elevations of 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Both men and women can get altitude sickness.
High altitudes can cause low oxygen saturation levels or desaturation of an individual's blood. It happens because of low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. Oxygen saturation levels refer to the extent hemoglobin is bound or saturated to oxygen.
The advantage of altitude training is that the muscles get a natural boost when more oxygen is available during lower-altitude competitions.
Hb Test, Hb
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