This document discusses high altitudes in the United States and the sicknesses that can occur at elevations above 8,000 feet. Symptoms of high altitude sickness include headaches, dehydration, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling and are caused by higher carbon dioxide levels raising blood pH levels, not low oxygen. These symptoms can be prevented by slowly ascending to higher elevations, and sleeping at a lower altitude than where time is spent during the day.

1. High Altitudes By: Jim Mack

2. Places of Higher elevation in the United States

3. High Altitude Sicknesses Acute exposure to low air pressure Commonly occurs above 2,400 meters (aprox.8,000 ft.) Appears to be caused not by low oxygen but rather CO 2 levels causing a rise in blood pH Mostly effects people who live at lower altitudes

4. Symptoms and How to Prevent Headache, dehydration, fatigue, shortness of breath, peripheral edema prevented by ascending slowly Sleep at altitude lower than altitude you are at during daytime

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