When your heart races at altitude
What happens when your heart suddenly starts racing while you’re hiking? Medgate explains acute altitude sickness and gives tips on how to handle it.
Altitude sickness – what is it?
Acute altitude sickness can set in at around 2,000 metres above sea level. The reason for this is that the body can’t absorb oxygen efficiently at higher altitudes. Anyone can suffer from acute altitude sickness, although young people are more likely to be affected as it occurs less often in people over the age of 50.
Between 20% and 40% of mountaineers suffer from altitude sickness. Many people aren’t even aware of it, because the symptoms tend to occur six to 12 hours after exposure and stop again automatically. Symptoms are worse at altitudes of over 3,000 metres above sea level.
Symptoms: what are the signs of altitude sickness?
In addition to palpitations, other typical symptoms include: headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, problems sleeping, impaired consciousness, an increase in body temperature, and swollen hands, feet and eyelids.
Preventing altitude sickness: climb slowly
Cover a difference in altitude of only 300-500 metres per day. This gives your body time to adapt to the change in conditions. With mild symptoms, it can help to spend a rest day at the same altitude to recover. If the symptoms don’t improve the next day, you should go down. If the symptoms are very strong, it’s best to descend immediately with someone to help.
Children at altitude: extra precautions required?
Families don’t have to take any extra precautions when planning an excursion at altitude: Children react almost identically to adults. However, you shouldn’t go higher than 3,000 to 4,000 metres above sea level with preschoolers. Medgate recommends that children sleep at below 2,500 metres above sea level.
