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A new study analyzing data from the United States shows that the risk of suicide increases by nearly one-third at an altitude of 2,000 meters or approximately 6,500 feet above sea level.

The findings partially explain why the western United States, known for its mountainous regions, have some of the highest suicide rates in the country.

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from the

published his findings in the

. After analyzing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Renshaw and colleagues concluded that altitude is an independent risk factor for suicide.

“Altitude was the strongest factor we could find in our study. But we believe there’s also some other factor we can’t account for yet,” said Renshaw in a statement.

The researchers speculate that this association may be caused by metabolic stress associated with mild hypoxia (inadequate oxygen to the brain) in people with mood disorders. In short, people with problems such as depression might be at greater risk for suicide if they live at higher altitudes.

Previous studies have shown that a lack of oxygen at higher altitudes is associated with worsening mood that can last for up to 90 days.

The researchers also suggest other factors aside from elevation could contribute to higher suicide rates in western states, such as higher rates of gun ownership, a well-recognized factor in suicide, and lower population density.