Living On Mountains Doubles Risk of Sudden Infant Death

Living at high altitudes can up the risk of sudden infant death, a new study claims.

Researchers at University of Colorado Denver compared risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or (SIDS) among infants born between 2007 and 2012, living at less than 6,000 feet, between 6,000 and 8,000 feet and above 8,000 feet only to find that infants living above 8,000 feet above sea level have double the risk of SIDS compared to those living at lower levels.

The study could not explain the observations the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown. Some theories explain the syndrome could be result of problems in the brain stem, mothers smoking and respiratory infections.

However, the increase in risk at higher altitudes is partly due to lower oxygen levels on mountains. Researchers nevertheless mentioned that the risks are modifiable.

"At higher altitude, there is greater absolute risk of SIDS. It's important to point out that parents can still focus on modifiable risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome, including putting infants on their back to sleep, avoiding excessive blankets or stuffed animals, and maintaining a no-smoking environment," said Dr. David Katz a cardiologist at the university.

Every year, around 2,000 infants die due to the syndrome.