HAPE: The Silent Killer at Ten Thousand Feet High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is an extremely dangerous form of altitude sickness that can often have fatal consequences. As opposed to acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema, which are caused by a decrease in oxygen concentration and brain swelling, HAPE is caused by an increase in pulmonary pressure during a significant ascent. While some of their symptoms overlap, […] Climbing Lucy Ferneyhough | November 1, 2018 1 Comment
How Altitude Sickness Becomes Deadly Hiking at Altitude. Image: Telluride If you ski, snowboard, or climb at elevation, you’ve probably experienced some level of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or are at least aware of the condition more commonly known as altitude sickness. AMS, caused by the decrease of available oxygen as elevation is gained, is often associated with relatively mild symptoms such as headaches and […] Climbing Jon Roubik | October 1, 2018 0 Comments
All About HAPE: The Most Fatal Altitude Sickness High altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, is the most deadly type of altitude sickness. HAPE is a condition where a person’s lungs fill with fluid, preventing oxygenation of blood and causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms. It usually occurs within 4-5 days of reaching an altitude greater than 8000 feet and often happens to people who are physically fit and […] Tanner Blake | October 1, 2018 0 Comments
HAPE: High Altitude’s Deadliest Killer Many of life’s most rewarding experiences can be found at altitude. However, depending on numerous factors, spending time at high altitudes can expose you to the deadly risk of high-altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, a severe form of altitude sickness. Many of those who frequent mountains have likely experienced acute mountain sickness, a common & comparatively mild form of altitude […] Industry News Dylan Craig | July 25, 2018 0 Comments
“Troubling Trends” Surrounding the Increased Frequency of Alpine Illness HAPE According to a blog post by park rangers of Denali National Park, a sharp uptick in the number of climbers attempting to summit the 20,310-foot park namesake has led to a resurgence of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. The condition, known as HAPE, most frequently occurs in normally healthy individuals traveling from lower elevations to areas above 8,200 feet, leaving popular […] Brains Lucas Gauthier | July 7, 2018 0 Comments
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema—What It Is and Why You Should Care High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, or HAPE, is the most common and most fatal form of high altitude sickness. HAPE results from fluid building up in the lungs over time while at high altitude. Essentially, victims of HAPE take in less and less oxygen due to the low air pressure at high altitudes as fluid continues to fill up their lungs, resulting […] Brains Maggie Dean | October 1, 2017 0 Comments
HAPE: The Leading Killer at High Altitudes Reports often come out about people passing away in the mountains due to altitude sickness. Altitude sickness, otherwise known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is when you feel like you came down with the flu or have a hangover, due to less oxygen being at higher elevations. However, altitude sickness does not cause death, but it can lead to more […] Climbing Mitch McDermott | October 1, 2017 0 Comments
The Tortoise and the HAPE: Steady High-Altitude Ascents Win the Race (and Save Lives) High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a terminal reaction of the lungs to low-oxygen conditions and is the number one cause of death in high altitude environments. When it comes to mountaineering and backcountry snow sports, the excitement of peak-bagging, if not managed with caution and preparedness, can be costly. We all know the fable of the tortoise and the […] Brains Sydney Stephens | October 1, 2017 0 Comments