High blood pressure is caused due to different factors. There are certain medical conditions that can increase your blood pressure. High altitude illness is one such health problem which is caused when you are 8000 feet above sea level. At this height, there is less oxygen in the air and your body sends out more oxygen to its cells, thus increasing your heart rate. When your heart rate increases, your blood pressure also increases.

High altitude sickness is usually experienced by mountaineers. There are several ways to decrease its effects. For example, you should ascend at a slower pace. You should take approximately two days to reach an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level. After that, take a day to climb each 1000 or 2000 feet.

If you feel that your heart rate is increasing, then slow down immediately. Treat this problem before you move further as this is a symptom of high blood pressure. Drink lots of water to keep your body well-hydrated. This would prevent you from increased blood pressure. Avoid alcohol because it causes dehydration.The symptoms of high altitude can also be treated with medications that are either over-the- counter or prescribed by your doctor.

Acetazolamide and dexamethasone are prescription drugs that are usually used to treat high altitude illness, while ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication.

Another way to treat high altitude illness is with a Gamow bag. This bag is actually a sealed chamber that pumps in oxygen and simulates a lower altitude so that your body feels as if it is 3000 to 5000 feet lower than you actually are. Spending two hours in the Gamow bag will decrease or eliminate your symptoms of high altitude, including high blood pressure. Its effects can last up to 12 hours after you are outside the chamber.

If nothing else works, then start descending to lower altitude until your blood pressure returns to normal. Begin descending 1500 to 2000 feet and keep doing so until your heart rate becomes normal. Once it does, then you do not need to worry about a high blood pressure.

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