A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health indicates that people who live in the mountains have improved heart health as opposed to those who live closer to sea level.

1,150 people living in Greece were monitored for 15 years as part of the study. Information was taken in 1981 about their gender, age, weight, alcohol consumption, blood pressure and other health indicators. A blood sample was also taken. Researchers returned in 1996 and took the same readings.

It was determined that there were 133 deaths among the 566 people living in mountainous regions and 157 deaths among those living in the plains. Heart disease was responsible for 11 men and 16 women in the highlands and 23 men and 17 women in the lowlands.

The researchers, led by Doctor Nikis Baibas determined that 'other protective factors' must have caused the lower incidences of coronary disease among those dwelling in the mountains since they tended to have higher blood pressure and blood fats.

The study found that exercising at an increased altitude can give the heart a better workout. 'Increased physical activity under conditions of moderate hypoxia among mountain residents could explain these findings,' the study concluded.

Those who already have heart disease were not encouraged to go to live in the mountains as this may be hazardous to their health. However, living high above sea level may have a preventative effect on heart disease.

So perhaps that's what John Denver meant when he referred to 'Rocky Mountain High.'