How the Highest House in the World Affects Human Health

Living at extreme altitudes presents unique challenges for the human body. Oxygen levels are significantly lower, temperatures can be harsh, and atmospheric pressure is reduced, all of which impact health. For those residing in the highest house in the world, these conditions shape daily life and long-term well-being.

Understanding how such an environment affects human health offers insight into both short-term physiological responses and long-term adaptations.

Location And Elevation

The highest inhabited house in the world is in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in La Rinconada, a mining settlement at approximately 5,100 meters (16,700 feet) above sea level. This remote town, the highest permanent human settlement, sits on the slopes of the Andes, where oxygen levels are nearly half of what they are at sea level. The extreme altitude constantly challenges human physiology with hypobaric hypoxia, a condition caused by reduced atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen availability.

At this altitude, barometric pressure hovers around 410 mmHg, significantly lower than the 760 mmHg at sea level. This reduction directly impacts the partial pressure of oxygen, which drops to about 60% of what is available at lower elevations. As a result, each breath delivers less oxygen to the bloodstream, forcing the body to compensate. The thin air also increases respiratory water loss, heightening the risk of dehydration.

La Rinconada’s isolation adds to the difficulties of high-altitude living. The settlement is accessible only by treacherous mountain roads, making transportation of supplies and medical care challenging. The harsh climate prevents agriculture, forcing residents to rely on imported food. Proximity to glacial formations keeps temperatures low year-round, with frequent subzero conditions further straining the human body.

Environmental Factors

The extreme altitude of La Rinconada creates an environment of low oxygen, intense solar radiation, and frigid temperatures. At over 5,100 meters, the partial pressure of oxygen is nearly half that of sea level, leading to chronic hypoxia. This condition impairs cognitive function, physical performance, and energy levels. Even routine tasks like walking require greater exertion due to the diminished oxygen supply.

Compounding the effects of low oxygen is the high level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The thinner atmosphere provides less filtration, increasing exposure to UVA and UVB rays. UV intensity rises by about 10% per 1,000 meters of altitude gain, meaning residents experience nearly 50% more exposure than those at sea level. This increases the risk of skin damage, conditions like actinic keratosis, and even skin cancer. Prolonged UV exposure also affects eye health, contributing to photokeratitis and cataracts, which occur more frequently in high-altitude populations.

The cold climate adds another layer of hardship. Nighttime temperatures often drop below -10°C (14°F). Low humidity exacerbates dehydration by increasing respiratory water loss. The body must work harder to maintain core temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. With limited insulation and basic housing materials, residents struggle to stay warm.

Human Adaptations

Living at extreme altitudes requires physiological adjustments to cope with low oxygen and harsh environmental conditions. Over time, the body adapts to enhance oxygen delivery, optimize cardiovascular function, and improve survival in hypoxic conditions. These changes occur both in the short term, as the body acclimatizes, and over generations, as populations develop genetic traits suited to high-altitude living.

Respiratory Adjustments

One of the body’s immediate responses to high altitude is increased breathing rate, known as ventilatory acclimatization. This compensatory mechanism offsets lower oxygen levels by drawing in more air per minute, increasing oxygen uptake. Studies show that individuals at extreme elevations exhibit a sustained rise in resting ventilation, with some experiencing a 50% increase in tidal volume compared to those at sea level.

High-altitude residents also develop a more efficient oxygen diffusion process in the lungs. Structural changes in the alveolar-capillary membrane enhance gas exchange, improving oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. Additionally, plasma volume decreases over time, raising hemoglobin concentration and optimizing oxygen transport. These adaptations help mitigate chronic hypoxia’s effects.

Cardiovascular Shifts

The cardiovascular system adjusts to high-altitude demands. Initially, heart rate and cardiac output increase to compensate for lower oxygen supply. Over time, the heart adapts by developing a more efficient stroke volume, pumping more blood per beat while maintaining a stable heart rate. This reduces overall energy expenditure.

Blood flow redistributes to prioritize oxygen delivery to vital organs like the brain and heart. Peripheral vasodilation improves circulation in key areas while reducing unnecessary oxygen consumption elsewhere. Some high-altitude populations exhibit genetic adaptations influencing vascular function. Andean highlanders, for example, have higher nitric oxide levels, which promote vasodilation and enhance blood flow.

Red Blood Cell Production

A key physiological response to high-altitude living is increased red blood cell production, driven by elevated erythropoietin (EPO) levels. This hormone, secreted by the kidneys in response to low oxygen, stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, increasing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Inhabitants of La Rinconada often have hematocrit levels exceeding 60%, significantly higher than the 40-45% typical at sea level. While this adaptation improves oxygen transport, it also thickens the blood, raising the risk of chronic mountain sickness (CMS).

Different high-altitude populations have evolved distinct hematological responses. Andean populations tend to rely on increased hemoglobin concentrations, while Tibetan highlanders maintain relatively normal levels but enhance oxygen utilization efficiency at the cellular level. These variations highlight the diverse ways humans adapt to extreme environments.

Health Outcomes For Inhabitants

The extreme altitude of La Rinconada profoundly affects residents’ long-term health. Chronic exposure to low oxygen places the body in a state of physiological stress, increasing the risk of conditions like chronic mountain sickness (CMS). CMS, also known as Monge’s disease, is prevalent in Andean populations, with studies estimating that up to 15-20% of long-term residents develop symptoms. This condition can lead to complications such as pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy as the heart struggles to pump increasingly viscous blood.

Neurological health is also impacted by persistent hypoxia. Long-term exposure to extreme altitudes may contribute to cognitive deficits, affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities due to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain. Sleep disturbances, including periodic breathing and frequent awakenings, are common, further exacerbating fatigue and impairing overall well-being.