It does relate to high altitude just as it relates to oxygen deprivation under water. Pressure is a factor that needs to be included though. Increased pressure amplifies and quickens the harmful affects. Take for example Nitrogen to which every one is familiar with in scuba diving for the 'bends'. Above surface, our bodies have no real use for Nitrogen. We inhale 78% and then exhale 78%. Underwater at depths of 30 feet or more, the water pressure causes it seep into our bloodstream. Without a proper timed ascension to decompress, it can be deadly. Excess carbon dioxide is even deadlier than nitrogen to the scuba diver.
At higher elevations, you are dealing with the inverse of higher pressure found at increasing water depths. 30 feet under water is 1 atm of pressure. I'm not an expert on altitude health, but I understand atmospheric pressure declines as one ascends. Add to this decreased oxygen and there's another set of problems, altitude sickness amongst them.
It does relate to high altitude just as it relates to oxygen deprivation under water. Pressure is a factor that needs to be included though. Increased pressure amplifies and quickens the harmful affects. Take for example Nitrogen to which every one is familiar with in scuba diving for the 'bends'. Above surface, our bodies have no real use for Nitrogen. We inhale 78% and then exhale 78%. Underwater at depths of 30 feet or more, the water pressure causes it seep into our bloodstream. Without a proper timed ascension to decompress, it can be deadly. Excess carbon dioxide is even deadlier than nitrogen to the scuba diver.
At higher elevations, you are dealing with the inverse of higher pressure found at increasing water depths. 30 feet under water is 1 atm of pressure. I'm not an expert on altitude health, but I understand atmospheric pressure declines as one ascends. Add to this decreased oxygen and there's another set of problems, altitude sickness amongst them.