Altitude: Oxygen deprivation

When a person travels to a high altitude, the air pressure is a lot lower (barometric pressure). This means that there is less oxygen present. High altitude is considered 8,000 feet and above. There is about 25% fewer oxygen molecules in the air at this level. The body has to find ways to compensate for this lack of air. Some people are particularly sensitive to higher elevation and may experience “altitude sickness”. For those who live at a higher altitude, their bodies have adjusted. For others who travel to a place with higher altitude, the body will need to …read more