I am a board-certified internal medicine physician with a special interest in high altitude medicine. As the first American woman to summit all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, I’ve had the privilege of gaining unique experience as an expedition doctor in the Himalayas and on Denali. These opportunities, along with years of practicing medicine in Vail (8,000 ft), have given me practical insight into the real-world challenges people face at extreme elevations. My goal is to provide care that is both evidence-based and informed by these experiences, always with your safety and well-being in mind.
Traveling to high elevations—such as those found in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (7,000–14,000 feet)—means your body must adjust to thinner air and less available oxygen. Even healthy, fit individuals can experience altitude-related symptoms, sometimes within hours of arrival.
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What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness, or AMS) can develop when you ascend to elevations above 7,500 feet, especially if you go up quickly. About one in five visitors to Colorado’s high country will experience at least some symptoms, regardless of age or physical condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
Most symptoms are mild and improve with rest and time as your body acclimates. However, more severe cases can become dangerous, leading to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which require immediate medical attention.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop altitude sickness, regardless of fitness or age. Risk increases if you:
- Travel rapidly from low to high elevation
- Have a history of altitude illness
- Have certain pre-existing medical conditions (especially heart or lung disease)
When to Seek a Medical Consultation?
Consider a consult if you:
- Plan to travel or relocate to elevations above 7,500 feet, especially if you have chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, or blood disorders such as anemia or sickle cell anemia6.
- Have previously experienced altitude sickness.
- Develop symptoms that persist or worsen after a day at altitude.
- Experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath at rest, trouble sleeping, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking, or chest pain.
Key Tips for a Safe Trip to Altitude
- Ascend gradually when possible; spend a night at an intermediate elevation before going higher.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for the first 24–48 hours..
- Listen to your body and rest if you feel unwell..
If you’re planning a mountain adventure, moving to a higher elevation, or experiencing unexplained symptoms after ascending, a medical consultation can help you prepare, prevent complications, and address any health concerns related to altitude.
Your well-being at elevation is my priority—reach out for personalized guidance and support