High Altitude And Your Heart

High Altitude And Your Heart

Travel to high altitude is very popular and often includes people with cardiovascular disease. Having moved my family and medical practice from sea level in Phoenix to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona at 7000 feet elevation I see many patients first hand who end up in the hospital unexpectedly.   In fact, years ago I saw a patient from Hawaii who had come to Flagstaff for his grandchild’s graduation at Northern Arizona University. He was walking up a hill when he had a cardiac arrest. This led to a prolonged hospitalization, but fortunately he made a full recovery. It was obvious that the altitude, combined with pre-existing heart and lung disease had led to his cardiac event.

It’s important to understand the increased risk associated with travel at higher elevations. Here are 8 key pieces of information that you need to know.

1. The major factor at high altitude that increases cardiac stress is hypoxia, which is also known as oxygen deficiency. At high altitude there is a lower oxygen content in the atmosphere, therefore your heart and lungs must adapt to be able to supply the body with the oxygen that it needs.
   
   
2. With elevation gain, there is an increase in stress hormones. This  can lead to elevated blood pressure, chest pain (angina), or even worsening heart failure because of fluid retention.  
   
   
3. High altitude is often considered an altitude of at least 2500 meters or 8200 feet above sea level. At this point there is a considerable decrease in the atmospheric oxygen content. Patients with significant underlying lung disease can have symptoms at even lower altitudes. 
   
   
4. High altitude travel should be avoided by anyone who has concerning symptoms with minimal activity when at sea level. This would include shortness of breath at rest, fatigue, or chest discomfort.
   
   
5. It is important to avoid any physical activity or feats at high elevation that one would not routinely accomplish at sea level.
   
   
6. If you have significant heart and/or lung disease consider an evaluation by your doctor prior to travel.
   
   
7. Exercise training and physical conditioning at sea level is recommended before exercise at altitude. Plan ahead; it can take many weeks to build up proper conditioning. 
   
   
8. Don’t go it alone. It is important to consider having a friend or travel mate along for additional support in the event that cardiovascular symptoms occur. The absence of medical assistance/support during a cardiovascular event can rapidly lead to disaster.