What Does High Elevation Mean?

The effects of high altitude on humans are considerable. The oxygen saturation of hemoglobin determines the content of oxygen in blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 metres above sea level, the saturation of oxyhemoglobin begins to decrease rapidly.

What is considered high elevation?

High altitude: 8,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. Very high altitude: 12,000 to 18,000 feet. Extremely high altitude: 18,000+ feet.

Is high elevation bad?

Living at higher altitudes seems to be associated with lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases, stroke and certain types of cancer. In contrast mortality from COPD and probably also from lower respiratory tract infections seems to be increased.