When comparing the hematocrit levels (which indicate the proportion of red blood cells in the blood) of patients living in different altitudes, we need to consider the physiological adaptations of the human body to different environmental conditions.
1. Understanding Hematocrit Levels:
- Hematocrit levels represent the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. These red blood cells are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
2. Environmental Factors:
- Denver, Colorado, is situated approximately one mile (about 1,609 meters) above sea level.
- Boston, Massachusetts, is at sea level.
3. Adaptation to Altitude:
- At higher altitudes like Denver, the air contains less oxygen compared to sea level. The body adapts to this lower oxygen availability by producing more red blood cells. This increase in red blood cells helps improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- This physiological response results in higher hematocrit levels as a means to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels.
4. Comparing the two locations:
- Patients living in Denver will generally have higher hematocrit levels compared to those living in Boston due to the body's adaptation to the lower oxygen environment at higher altitudes.
By understanding these principles, we can predict the relationship between the hematocrit levels of the two populations.
Answer:
The hematocrits of the Denver residents will be higher than those of the Boston residents.
