Living at high altitudes may not have a significant effect on life expectancy when considering other health and economic factors, but it can reduce some types of heart disease due to improved vitamin D metabolism and lower oxygen levels. However, lower oxygen levels can be problematic for people with lung problems, and women may not benefit as much as men due to lower hormone levels. Colorado, the US state with the highest elevation, is considered one of the healthiest states.
Studies have shown that people who live at high altitudes tend to live longer than people who live at sea level, but researchers say when other health and economic factors are taken into consideration, high altitudes don’t appear to have a great effect on life expectancy . There is, however, strong evidence that living at higher elevations can reduce some types of heart disease. Reasons offered for the beneficial effect of high altitudes on heart health include improved vitamin D metabolism and lower oxygen levels, which cause a person’s genes to trigger the development of new blood vessels.
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Despite the possible cancer prevention and heart benefits of living at high altitudes, lower oxygen levels can be problematic for people living with lung problems and could actually contribute to a shorter life expectancy for these people.
Colorado has the highest elevation of any US state. It’s also considered one of the healthiest states, with low rates of obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
Women don’t seem to benefit from the high altitude as much as men. Research suggests that women who live at high altitudes have lower concentrations of hormones called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Lower levels of these hormones can cause a decrease in mental and physical well-being.
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