High Altitutes and heart patients

[csutherland]

Is there any reason that a AVR/bypass patient might have problems at high altitudes such as Rocky Mtns? My husband had the procedure in February followed by pericardium problems and another surgery in April. He's fine now and we're thinking of an autumn vacation in Colorado and maybe Yellowstone. I myself, with no known heart problems, felt breathless and "heavy" in the chest several years ago if I exerted at high altitudes, so it has crossed my mind that he might have problems. He has the St Judes valve and is on coumadin and BP meds.

Any input would be appreciated. The doctor would probably laugh if I asked him. You folks are more forgiving of stupidity!

 

[Nancy]

I think it's a perfectly appropriate question to ask your doctor about. Why would he laugh?

 

[mimmidoe]

Asking your Doctor is a good idea. I was told many years ago to avoid high altitudes. I used to snow ski, and I remember that heavy chest and breathing thing. Now with two valves, and the blood thinners, think it is even more compromising. He suggested altitudes cause arrythmias to worsen. Interesting, huh?

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi celia!
joey and i just got back from yellowstone and the grand tetons last night. we went on a multi-sport (hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting) trip. the altitude affected both of us, considering we're from the east coast.
the work outs were quite rigorous and joey did beautifully (if not better than i did!)
he had a ross procedure, so that does not involve coumadin or mechanics. i still agree with the others and suggest you ask your dr. first. joey's doc said that he could do whatever he felt comfortable with.
good luck and be well, sylvia

 

[Don]

High Altitude

High Altitude

Hi Celia,
I wasn't afraid to ask my local cardiologist since we are going to Angel Fire, NM, (altitude 8,500 ft) this coming week-end. His learned response was:
"Your car goes downhill as well as uphill, so if you have any problems remember that." He did add that 8,500 ft was a "significant altitude".
Years ago I took my Mom and Dad, with his pacemaker, up to Ruidoso, NM. (same altitude). I didn't have the sense then to even think about the effects of altitude. He had a rough time breathing that entire night. We returned to a lower altitude the next morning, and he was fine again.
I live at 4,200 ft altitude so I have just a bit of conditioning, but I still plan to be plenty cautious during my upcoming trip. We will be with friends that we haven't seen since my AVR surgery and I want to show off -- but I won't be stupid about it. Ask me about it a week from today.
Best wishes,
Don
AVR; 4/12/02; CCF; Cosgrove; Bovine Tissue

 

[Don]

Back From 8,500 Ft Altitude

Back From 8,500 Ft Altitude

Hi Celia,
Just returned from Angel Fire, NM, and 3 nights at 8,500 ft altitude. Happy to report -- no problems. In fact, feeling good. I had to smile inwardly when a stranger from Texas a good 10 years my junior said he wasn't walking much because of the change in altitude.
To be real honest I was having some problems at first. But as soon as I stopped worrying about the effects of altitude on my AVR I started feeling not only o.k. but pretty darn good. So I'm sure those "problems" were psychological.
Enjoy your trip to the high country.
Best wishes,
Don
AVR; 4/02; Cosgrove; CCF; Bovine Tissue

 

[LUVMyBirman]

As the others suggested.... check with your doctor. My personal experience.....cardiologist did not ask me to refrain from either altitudes. Did visit the Rockies last year. Mechanical valve and Coumadin. Was told to ascend and descend slowly. Water is the key. Start hydrating yourself a few days prior and keep drinking until you return. It helped.
PS. Refrain from alcohol!

 

[Lynne S]

Hi. My husband and I love to snowmobile in the mountains. I had surgery to replace aortic valve in Feb. 2001 (got St. Judes valve) & last year when we went back to Yellowstone I couldn't believe the difference the surgery made in how I felt. I was able to play in the powder like I never could before. Also had soooo much more energy and strength.
The surgeon & cardiologist both said the high altitude was OK. They suggested to give myself time to acclimate - maybe take it a little easy the first day out. We drive out (make it a 2 day trip) so that helps to acclimate also.
I did a little pre-planning with my regular Dr. The altitude can affect Coumadin so I got a protime just before I left & checked to make sure I would be able to get one done out there if I had concerns (I didn't). I went back for another protime right after I got back to make sure I was on track.
Checking with the Dr. ahead of time is a good idea. It will give you peace of mind and they can help with an action plan.
LS

 

[Rain]

I live at 6,280. We go up in the mountains all the time... which is several thousand feet higher and I never have a problem. Maybe it's because I've been doing it all my life?? I donno.

I do remember when I was on my way out of the hospital my surgeon guy said something about the pressures in my heart changing as we went over Wolf Creek Pass... but I don?t really remember everything he said about it. I just wanted to go home! I remember him saying I should get out of the car and walk every couple of hours... I?m not sure what that was for. I?m a rotten heart patient... I didn?t do it. I just wanted to get home to my kids. Thank goodness I did. I'm not really sure if the walking every couple hours had anything to do with the altitude. I've kinda forgot half of what he said during that conversation.

Rain

 

[csutherland]

Oh, my! Just the mention of Wolf Creek Pass makes us "homesick" for Colorado!

 

[Don]

AHA Advise Re Altitude

AHA Advise Re Altitude

I don't want to beat this altitude subject to death, but I just finished this morning's Sunday newspaper and saw a lenghty article regarding Heart Health. Some quotes:
"But it you're thinking of heading for any height above the 8,175 foot level, the American Heart Association has some advice for you. Take it easy! Especially if you happen to have the wrong genes. That goes double for anyone with a heart or breathing problem." It goes on to talk about a clinical condition "high altitude pulmonary endema (HAPE)". In a related article it lists a web site www.americanheart.org.
Don
AVR; 4/20; CCF; Cosgrove; Bovine Tissue

 

[ALCapshaw]

My surgery was performed 100 miles away from home. Upon release, I was advised to stop every hour and to walk for a few minutes to promote circulation in my legs and prevent blood clots. I expect this is also good advice for long airplane trips (except the getting out part).

'AL'

 

[Granbonny]

Circulation

Circulation

Yesterday morning, I sat at computer from 7-10 a.m...Later, noticed both hands and both feet tingling..Scared me and out the door I went for walks all day..And it will soon be 5 months. No more playing at puter for that lenght of time
bonnie