How to Treat High Blood Pressure Caused by High Altitude

High blood pressure can be caused by high altitude illness. High altitude illness can occur during mountain climbing or other activities that take you to altitudes of 8,000 feet above sea level or higher. At this height, there is less oxygen in the air, which is the main cause of high altitude illness. Your body instinctively sends out more oxygen to its cells, and as a result, your heart rate increases. As your heart rate increases, your blood pressure rises. There are several steps you can take to decrease the effects of high altitude illness.

Things You'll Need

• Medication
• Gamow bag

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Increase altitude at a slower pace to lessen the effects of high altitude illness. Reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level should take approximately two days. Each 1,000 to 2,000 feet from that point on should take another full day. If you feel your heart rate increasing, you're at risk for high blood pressure caused by high altitude. Slow your pace to treat these symptoms.

• 2

  Drink plenty of water and other fluids, and avoid drinking alcohol. To prevent and treat the symptoms of high blood pressure caused by high altitude, you need to keep your body well hydrated. The effects of alcohol are intensified at higher altitudes, and alcohol causes dehydration.

• 3

  Take over-the-counter medications or medications prescribed by your doctor to treat the symptoms of high altitude illness. Medications that may be prescribed by your doctor include acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking these medications. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that is effective in relieving the symptoms of high altitude illness.

• 4

  Use a Gamow bag to simulate a lower altitude. A Gamow bag is a sealed chamber that pumps in oxygen. After about two hours in the chamber, your body feels as though you're at a much lower altitude, usually around 3,000 to 5,000 feet lower than you actually are. This treatment can decrease or even eliminate symptoms of high altitude illness, including high blood pressure, and the effects can last for up to 12 hours once you're outside the chamber.

• 5

  Descend to a lower altitude. If all else fails, you should start descending to a lower altitude right away to treat high blood pressure caused by high altitude illness. Start by descending 1,500 to 2,000 feet. If your symptoms are still present, continue to descend until your heart rate returns to normal. Once your heart rate returns to normal, you most likely no longer need to worry about high blood pressure.