Strenuous activities like mountain climbing affect the circulatory and respiratory systems in several ways: The heart rate increases to pump more oxygenated blood to cells. Breathing rate and depth also increase to provide more oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. When reaching high altitude peaks, breathing and heart rates remain elevated even at rest to supply more oxygen to the body in the low air pressure environment. Symptoms of hypoxia or altitude sickness include rapid breathing, fatigue, dizziness and cyanosis. Treatments include supplemental oxygen, blood transfusions, and medications. The effects on circulatory and respiratory systems do not differ significantly between male and female climbers, as endurance and ability to adapt