Overview:
The La Rinconada settlement in the Peruvian Andes stands as the highest permanent abode on Earth, with residents living at altitudes of 4,900 to 5,200 meters (16,000 to 17,000 feet) above sea level.
Extreme Environment:
Life in La Rinconada is characterized by extreme conditions:
- Lack of running water, sewage system, or proper waste disposal
- Oxygen levels at half the atmospheric pressure at sea level
- Limited food sources, with supplies imported from lower altitudes
- Electricity only recently established in the 2000s
Physiological Adaptations:
The low oxygen levels at high altitudes pose significant challenges for human physiology:
- Increased heart rate and breathing: Less oxygen in the air forces the lungs and heart to work harder.
- Reduced hemoglobin: The protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood decreases at higher altitudes.
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS): Can occur as the body adjusts to reduced oxygen, causing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, nausea, and appetite loss.
Chronic Health Issues:
- High hemoglobin levels: Common in Andean populations, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity but also putting individuals at risk for chronic mountain sickness (CMS).
- CMS: Occurs with extended exposure to high altitudes (over 3,050 meters), leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and aches. Approximately 25% of La Rinconada residents are estimated to have CMS.
Treatment and Mitigation:
- Descent to lower altitudes: The most effective treatment for CMS but not always feasible for those who depend on the area for livelihood.
- Venous bloodletting: Regular blood removal to reduce red blood cell count can provide relief.
- Acetazolamide: A drug that reduces red blood cell production has shown promising results but concerns remain about long-term safety and efficacy.