The subject of HAPE/HACE, I'm finding is murky at best in terms of predicting what one's chances really are. We try to acclimate ourselves thoughtfully, stay in shape, even take medications like Diamox (some even propose dexamethasone prophylaxis, or Sildenafil) and yet examples of the Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, individuals who are WAY better acclimated and experienced at altitude than I'll ever be, "mysteriously" come down with HAPE/HACE. Many proposed causes such as genetics, acclimatization schedules, hydration, physical condition, don't seem to provide any answers. Very puzzling to me.
