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Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS) is defined as elevated hematocrit (number of red blood cells) and Hypoxemia (lowered blood O<sub>2</sub> saturation). Hematocrit > 65% and Arterial O<sub>2</sub> saturation < 85%<ref name="wiki"/>. CMS may cause issues due to the increased blood viscosity. There is no evidence that [[Altitude Training 101|Altitude Training]] causes CMS.
CMS is believed to be caused by the combination of high altitude and the insufficiency of other systems (heart/lungs), leading to an excessive compensation of the hematocrit<ref name="HAPI431"/>. Many patients with hematocrit between 55% and 70% function normally, only seeking medical help when other factors lead to a decreased O<sub>2</sub> saturation<ref name="THS"/>.