The fact is, for somebody who lives at low altitude, their body is not accumtomized to the low level of oxygen at high altitude(anywhere above 8000ft).The body simply don't have that much hemoglobin to carry the oxygen. It takes time for the body to adjust by incresing the hemoglobin level.
The risk is especially high if the person has a history of high blood pressure or heart problem. You can suffer from hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, (even cerebral edema) or heart failure, all of which can be fatal.
My word to the readers: don't take any chance. You can never be too careful.