The hills are alive… with the sound of heart health. Altitude might have an impact on heart disease risk. A recent study found that living at a higher altitude is linked to a lower risk of getting metabolic syndrome – the combination of increased blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, and waist size. Together, these factors greatly increase the risk of heart disease. The authors of the study recognize that living or exercising in low oxygen environments like those at high altitudes seems to be very helpful for heart and lung health, weight loss, and even insulin sensitivity. The good news is that you don’t need to live in the mountains just to decrease your risk of getting metabolic syndrome.