Abstract
Environmental Factors can significantly affect our bodies’ health. One example of this is high altitude. There are about 400 million people who inhabit places of higher altitudes (above 1500 meters). However, different groups have adapted to these high-altitude climates and the effects of altitude vary depending on the epidemiological differences and genes expressed.
Epidemiological Factors
Because many different groups live at higher altitudes in different places, epidemiology must be taken into account. Studies have shown that certain genetic adaptions allow people to live at altitudes up to 5000 meters (m). High altitude ranges from 2500 to 5000 m and moderate altitude is around 1500 to 2500 m. Epidemiological data from permanent high altitude populations display the environmental factors on the appearance of diseases. For example. In the Swiss Mountains and Austrian Alps, there was a lower mortality rate due to cardiovascular issues. However, in the United States, there was an increase in mortality from pulmonary morbidities in high-altitude individuals. Thus, those who are negatively affected by higher altitudes do not have the genetic adaptions needed to survive. One is an adaptation to hypoxia.
In the United States, there was an increase in mortality from pulmonary morbidities in high-altitude individuals
Hypoxia-Inducible Gene
Though temperature and barometric pressure in high-altitude environments have been theorized to contribute to illness, hypoxia is identified as the main cause. In certain highlanders, systemic hypertension is a risk due to this. This is a result of the inactivation of the hypoxia-responsive gene. This gene allows the body’s cells to adapt to the environment with low oxygen levels
In order to thrive in high-altitude environments, hypoxia-responsive genes are a necessary adaptation. Hypoxia-inducible gene products directly relate to these genes. When the body is exposed to chronic hypoxia, the cells that contract the heart synthesize certain proteins. These proteins increase tolerance to the limited oxygen available. These proteins are a result of a gene extension program, associated with hypoxia-inducible factors. (Mallet et al.)
To decrease the negative effects of high altitude on individuals without this adaptation, proper acclimatization is needed. This includes low ascent rates and pre-acclimatization techniques. However, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases should steer clear of high-altitude environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high altitude places correlate with negative health effects. In order to combat these, the gene that allowed for normal function in limited oxygen environments is needed. According to (Mallet et al.), this gene can be studied as a possible solution to certain heart diseases, similar to the ones presented in high-altidue environments in people not adapted to highlands.
Bibliography
- Mallet, Robert T, et al. “Impact of High Altitude on Cardiovascular Health: Current Perspectives.” Vascular Health and Risk Management, vol. Volume 17, June 2021, pp. 317–335, https://doi.org/10.2147/vhrm.s294121.
