High Altitude

My wife and I are planning a trip to Peru and Bolivia.
This will entail travel in some high altitude areas, in the Andes.
The highest area is 12,000 feet above Seal Level.

I was wondering if anyone had any information, and/or
expereince with the effect of being in high altitudes and
their Pace Maker?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

6 Comments

my plane experiences

by mtulau - 2013-02-02 06:02:09

I dont think it will adversely affect the pacemaker - you would need to consult your cardieman. It will depends on what is happening with your heart and the reason for getting the pacemaker.

In my case I got a pm because I have sick sinus syndrome and was on medication for the afib problem. 4 consecutive flights it brought on afib and because on the 4th I was obviously ill I received a ban from flying from the airway. When I was more stable I wanted to fly again and had to get a clearance from my cardieman.The problem is needing oxygen. The dropdown oxygen is not available in such cases and one has to bring her own or make an arrangement with the airway to provide it. However because a medication was giving me asthma /bronchospasm I had bad attacks up and back and will see what the situation is after an AV ablation in 2 weeks time. Best of luck. PS Qantas has this covered in their website.

Thank You

by Beach Boy - 2013-02-02 07:02:30

In my case, the reason for my PM was Heart Block.
I have taken several long airplane trips, post PM, including Australia, last April. I have never expereinced a problem with the air travel.

I am concerned about the High Altitude, and commensurate reduction of oxygen. So far,I have not
read of any adverse effects of high altitude on PMs.
I have a appointment with my cardiologist, prior to the
trip. I plan on asking his opinion.

Thanks very much for your response.

Best of luck!!!!

High altitude

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-03 01:02:38

I have a pacemaker for AV block and have spent time at 13,300' in the Colorado Rockies with no problem.

Having said that I'm n good shape. Your ability to handle the altitude depends on your cardiac condition, and how long you spend at the higher altitudes. As mentioned above the pacer has nothing to do with it. whatever you could have done before the pacer you can do now.

frank

altitude

by Tracey_E - 2013-02-04 05:02:38

I have av block also, live at sea level. My parents live at 6500 feet and we hike and ski as high as 11,000. The pm is not affected by altitude but sometimes we're more susceptible to feeling the affects than others. Everyone is different so take it easy until you see how you do. I'd suggest not planning much for the first day or two you are at the higher altitude to give your body a chance to acclimate. I usually just chill out the first day, read and enjoy the scenery. I don't feel bad, I just get winded easily and dizzy if I overdo it. By the second day, I can still feel it if I walk up steps or whatever, but it doesn't hold me back and I'll be ready to hike. Just respect that there's less oxygen in the air and sometimes you might need to rest more than you would at sea level.

Be extra careful about hydration. It's harder to stay hydrated in the drier air and getting dehydrated make you feel the effects of the altitude more. I start chugging the day before I leave, buy a big bottle at the airport for the the flight, and don't stop until I get home again. I use a camelback when I hike.

Headaches

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-05 01:02:21

Headaches are a common symptom of high altitude and are worse if you over do it. Like Tracey mentioned it can vary greatly between people, and even between days for the same person. I've had times when I really noticed it and then the last time I was at 13,000 I hiked all over the place and didn't have much happen.

The dehydration is a big one too. The thin air doesn't hold much moisture, and being cool it doesn't make you want to drink.

Enjoy the trip,
frank

Great Advice

by Beach Boy - 2013-02-05 04:02:50

Frank, and Tracy,

Thank you very much for your great advice and support.
I will heed your advice about acclimating, and hydrating.
It puts my mind to rest to know, that my PM will not
interfere with this journey.

Best Regards,

Beach Boy

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