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It may take only weeks to feel relatively normal at high altitude, but it can take several months to truly adjust. Your body will actually work to increase your red blood cell count to higher than those at sea level to compensate for less oxygen at your altitude. In addition to getting enough iron and vitamin D, make sure you're hydrating well. You will probably not sweat as much in a dryer climate and not notice fluid loss as much. You also may be urinating more and breathing more rapidly which will also result in increased water loss. Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 L a day assuming you don't have kidney problems, heart failure, or some other ailment with fluid restriction). But a visit to the doctor is not a bad idea to rule out something else.
I lived in Cheyenne, WY for about 8 months........never really did fully adapt to the altitude. I felt extra tired and slightly short of breath most of the time I was there.
I believe the adaptation to altitude involves an increase in red blood cells, increased heart rate, increased respiration and elevated blood pressure.
The adaptation process is not perfect....some do better than others (heart condition):
However, successful acclimatization rarely results in the same level of physical and mental fitness that was typical of altitudes close to sea level. Strenuous exercise and memorization tasks still remain more difficult.
However, successful acclimatization rarely results in the same level of physical and mental fitness that was typical of altitudes close to sea level. Strenuous exercise and memorization tasks still remain more difficult.
The quoted article is talking about effects at 1-2 miles of altitude. I don't think this is all that relevant to ABQ's altitude of 1 mile, which is lower than where most altitude effects occur. The OP said they are near Gallup at about 7000 feet, so this may be more relevant. But it really depends on each individual's physiology.
The same article also says, "researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Harvard School of Global Health reported that people generally live longer at high altitudes and have a lower risk of dying from coronary artery disease. This positive effect occurs unless people have chronic breathing problems."
I'm a multiple heart attack survivor who moved to the ABQ area about 5 years ago. I feel great here and have no altitude problems. Just completed a hike today up to 11,400 feet with absolutely no issues.
The quoted article is talking about effects at 1-2 miles of altitude. I don't think this is all that relevant to ABQ's altitude of 1 mile, which is lower than where most altitude effects occur. The OP said they are near Gallup at about 7000 feet, so this may be more relevant. But it really depends on each individual's physiology.
The same article also says, "researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Harvard School of Global Health reported that people generally live longer at high altitudes and have a lower risk of dying from coronary artery disease. This positive effect occurs unless people have chronic breathing problems."
I'm a multiple heart attack survivor who moved to the ABQ area about 5 years ago. I feel great here and have no altitude problems. Just completed a hike today up to 11,400 feet with absolutely no issues.
Hum, it is relevant because elevation is elevation........some people handle it poorly.
It really depends on the person how they adapt to higher elevation. I lived in Cheyenne, and like I said in my previous post.......I did not seem to adapt really well, felt tired and short of breath much of the time I was there....................I am now near sea-level and no longer feel that way.
Been here a little over a year. Came from Ohio (750 ft above sea level) to New Mexico near Gallup (almost 7000 ft.)
I have truly struggled with it. Not so much in breathing (although hiking and bicycling can be tough), but I'm tired ALL the time. I go to sleep at 8:30 PM and am exhausted when I do so. Back in Ohio, I did fine on 6 hrs sleep and went to bed at 11:00. It's like I'm constantly hung over.
I hear from the locals here "you're getting older" and "gotta get used to it." but I spent a month in coastal California this past summer (at sea level) and felt like I used to back in Ohio. My energy was back within a week or so and it was WONDERFUL. Then I returned to NM and in a couple of weeks I was snoozin' again by dinnertime.
I have no allergies or respiratory issues of any kind. I just want to feel the way I always used to.
Are there treatments? Do I need more time? How much time?
Anyone else come to NM (or similar high elevation) from a lower elevation place and struggle, as I have? My wife and I are just both TIRED.
The guy at the AAA office on Coors said that he's from Connecticut and he wasn't allergic to anything until he came THERE.
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