Regurgitation and altitude

[Guest]

Hello, I am new here.
I have severe mitral regurgitation and moderate aortic regurgitation. We plan to attend a wedding in CO at a location at 8750 ft. Does anyone have information/experience with the physical effects of high altitude with this condition?

Thanks.
Pat

 

[Lisa in Katy]

Welcome! There is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes, which can cause stress hormones to be released, which is hard on the heart. Generally if your heart problem is under control, you will be okay. People with undetected heart problems are more likely to have issues, probably because they don't know what to look for. There are a few articles on the web about sudden death in tourists caused by undetected heart problems, but I think that is pretty rare. If you experience palpitations, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, sit down and rest. If that doesn't work, find a doctor.

I experienced altitude sickness every time I went to Colorado or New Mexico to ski. Since I come from a very low altitude (50), it could just be normal altitude sickness. It never happened while I was actually skiing, but rather while I was waiting in a lift line or in the slope restaurant, and seemed to be related to getting overheated, although that could just be a symptom. I would get light headed, short of breath, and feel like I was going to faint. The first time it caught me off guard and I actually "passed out" but came to within seconds. After that, I expected it and if I felt the symptoms, I took off my coat, sat down, and put my head down. I also know now to not go skiing the first day so my body has a chance to get used to it.

Make sure you take it slow for the first few days and you should be fine.

 

[Adrienne]

In 1988 we were in France and friends of ours brought us up to the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix. It is very high. I got light headed and felt like I was going to pass out until I put my head down between my legs!

 

[tobagotwo]

In the last months before I had AVR, we went on a trip that included the mountains of Tennessee. Most of the time I was all right, but at one point, I was afraid I was going to fall over, just trying to toddle over to see a beautiful brook by the roadside (whereas the day before I was prancing around Gatlinsburg with no effort). I was more afraid to let my spouse know that I was woozy than I was to actually faint, so I managed to hold out.

So, you may feel it. Don't count on joining a Virginia Reel at the reception.

There's a trick pilots use, where they squeeze their stomach muscles to keep from falling unconscious. You could experiment with it.

Best wishes,

 

[WayneGM]

I don't have experience to answer your question, but welcome to VR.

 

[skeptic49]

Thanks for posting this interesting question. I suppose any of us with valve issues should be aware that we might experience some difficulties at altitudes, etc.

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[Lionheart]

Pat,

It's dry at altitude so make sure you drink plenty of fluids and very little alcohol. Also stay out of the sun. Unless you are a smoker, extremely overweight, or very much out of shape, you should do fine; but you probably should call and ask your cardio or primary care doc for their opinion.

Enjoy the mountains!

John

 

[wes]

the most important thing when travelling to higher altitudes is to let your body become acclimatized. this usually takes about 24 hours, but it varies person to person. I went to Colorado while experiencing moderate aortic regurgitation but never had any problems with shortness of breath. Make sure you increase your fluid intake (drink water/electrolytes even when you're not thirsty) and take slow deep breaths from deep within the diaphragm.

It's funny, because pre-op I had lots of problems with palpitations but not shortness of breath, but now I have the opposite - my heart rate is fine but I struggle for breath at higher altitudes.

What altitude are you currently residing and how long will you stay in Colorado?

 

[Ross]

I think your going to find yourself breathless with little activity.

 

[Bonzo Dog]

Altitude One of the stupidest things I've done post AVR was to tandem paraglide from the top of Mt. Babadag, Oludinez, Turkey. Throw yourself off a 6,500ft mountain, hit a thermal rise another 1,000ft and slowly circle down to land on the beach below. Landing pale, woosey and speechless if you were me!!
This vid isn't me but does show the experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcIia-_hgzI&feature=related

Re an 8,750ft wedding, could you arrive a day or so early in order to acclimatise? How about taking some oxygen in a can with you? You can buy a small personal supply complete with mask on the internet. Probably not to be needed, however it would give reassurance.

 

[kfay]

I always get terrible altitude sickness. Is it related to my heart issues? Don't know for sure but my guess would be a big yes. I always end up going to the ER for drugs, ususally have to go back down to a little lower altitude to get acclimated and then go back up. This usually takes care of it and I'm fine.

The last time we went skiing in Utah and I got sick, the Dr. told me that I should play high and stay low...

Kim

 

[Susan BAV]

Just personal experience here...

Just personal experience here...

When my native aortic valve was getting worse, sometimes just driving/riding over the Continental Divide passes and other high mountains would cause me to have trouble getting a deep breath.

Also, are you aware that Colorado (air) is extremely dry?

These are my opinions: Take things slowly. I think proper hydration and rest is important and watch your salt so you don't retain fluid either. Keep your toes and feet moving as you travel, like airlines tell you to avoid DVT on lengthy flights.

A couple of months ago I was in Colorado and suddenly developed very excessive PVCs. I'm not sure why. I did have to trot up and down stairs a lot, which I'm not used to. Then I was there again a few weeks ago and I was absolutely fine throughout that visit (but came home and got sick because of a bunch of hacking sickies on the commercial plane )...

Hope you have a pleasant trip. Hopefully the Aspens will be showing their colors!

 

[Guest]

regurgitation and altitude

regurgitation and altitude

Thanks to all of you for the welcome and helpful comments. I certainly had not thought about the dryness of the air.

We are currently living at an altitude of 850 ft, so going up to 8750 will be a major change. And there will be 3 days of festivities at that location! We are driving, so will be gaining altitude for two days, at which time we will spend 2 days at about 5000 ft. Hopefully that will allow a good deal of adjustment. I will drink water, avoid alcohol, and forego any mountain hikes! It is a large YMCA camp, but if necessary we can drive from location to location.

I will let you know how it goes!

Pat

 

[KristyW]

Pat,

Is this wedding going to be at Snow Mountain Ranch by chance? If so, the staff there is very prepared. The towns of Granby and Winter Park are not that far away (by mountain standards) either.

 

[Guest]

Snow mount

Snow mount

Kristy,
Yes!! And thank you for the info.....I thought maybe they would be familiar with the problem at least, but that is very reassuring.

My cardio started talking surgery at my last visit in August. I was caught aback, because after 10 years of pretty stable echos, I thought I might escape that outcome. It may be psychological, but I have felt worse after that conversation! At the time we planned on another echo in February, but I have made an appt. for Nov. to further explore the surgical option. If it is inevitable I would prefer to do it on my terms and timetable rather than waiting for an emergency. Also, we have a big trip planned in late March/April and I need to consider that.

So, have you visited Snow Mountain Ranch? This is going to be a very nontraditional wedding event. I am looking forward to it, but am still a bit nervous.

Pat

 

[geckley]

I have sever PH and severe mitral valve prolapse. The only advice I can give you is TAKE IT VERY SLOW. I've gone to Colorado and Wyoming twice in the last 2 years. It was difficult and very humbling for me. I would talk to your docs about maybe increasing your fluid pills. I swelled up like a tick out there. I had to increase my fluid pills for about 2 weeks when I returned. Plan extra time if you have to walk more than a block or so, I needed about 5 inutes of rest after every 50 to 75 yards. I spent 2 weeks in Rocky Mountain National Park and in Yellowstone So my altitude experience went from 5200 feet Denver to 13000 feet in RMNP. The most difficulty I had was in yellow stone with all the volcanic gasses. I was told to not go back until we get this valve thing behind us once and for all. BTW I live in Maryland at 125 feet above sea level. Welcome to the site these guys are great and insightful. Sometimes they're better than your own family

 

[offwego]

I had my Mitral Valve repaired about 5 years ago and it's leaking again..We are following it closely and I am scheduled for a TEE later this month..This summer I drove from LA to the east coast and took the northern route..as we were driving in Montana, elevation around 7000 feet, I was huffing puffing..I felt very out of breath and uncomfortable..I felt better as we slowly traveled to lower altitude. I saw my cardiac surgeon when I got home and he prescribed Diovan and Toprol..which have alleviated some of the symptoms.

I would discuss this with your cardiologist and perhaps you can get some medications in the event you experience the discomfort I felt. My trip would have been much better if I had the medications with me.

 

[Guest]

Thanks to all! We have returned from Colorado. I had minimal problems. Thanks to your comments I did not attempt much activity and drank a lot of water.
Pat