Research Recommends Tailored Healthcare Treatment for Individuals Living at High Altitudes

Varanasi. Scientists are calling for a change in the approach to healthcare for people living at high altitudes, as their blood pressure tends to be higher and their bodies may respond differently to treatment.

The maximum blood pressure for individuals living above 6,000 feet above sea level is typically around 150, according to recent studies.

A new study conducted by researchers at Kashi Hindu University (BHU) and Calcutta University has found that the cold climate of the Eastern Himalayas has caused changes in the DNA of the local population, leading to higher blood pressure and thinner blood. A research study involving 178 people living in the Eastern Himalayas was published in the American Journal of Human Biology this week. Dr. Rakesh Tamang is the lead author of the study.

These findings suggest that the nature and response of the bodies of people living at high altitudes may differ from those living at lower altitudes and therefore require tailored treatment approaches.

The analysis showed that Sherpas and Tibetans had lower hemoglobin and hematocrit (HCT) levels and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than other populations. These differences may be due to the persistence of high-altitude adaptation in these groups even at lower altitudes. The Tibetans also stood out in terms of their higher body weight, height, and BMI compared to other populations.

According to Professor Gyaneshwar Chaubey, Professor of Zoology (Molecular Anthropology), BHU, who led the research team, these genetic adaptations, including the presence of the EPAS-1 gene, which is also found in the mythical creature known as the yeti, allowed the Himalayan population to better adapt to living in high altitudes with lower levels of atmospheric oxygen and colder temperatures.

Professor Chaubey emphasized the importance of tailoring treatment and medication to the unique biological characteristics of the Himalayan population.

"The treatment given to the people of the plains is not applicable to the hills," said Professor Chaubey.

He concluded, "There should be changes in their treatment pattern and medication. The same pattern regarding medical treatment does not apply to the people of plains and hills."