What is the impact of high altitude on Athletes ? What measures would you suggest to reduce its impact.

Running at high altitudes decreases the amount of oxygen getting to the muscles. A low atmospheric pressure in the thin air makes the blood less oxygen-rich as it travels to the muscles. As the marathon proceeds and runners climb higher, the problem gets worse and worse as the runners' oxygen demands increase. Regardless of whether a runner lives and trains at a high altitude or not, high altitude slows performance.

Of course the problem is a mountain-sized one for the sea level dweller running at high altitude since his/her body has not had time to make adjustments. Even for well-trained athletes, acute altitude sickness can result in pulmonary or cerebral edema, in which abnormal amounts of fluid collect in the lungs and around the brain. Other symptoms include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, coughing, and swelling in the hands and feet.