hiking in mountains

I am planning to go hiking in the rockies. We will start at 5000 feet and gain up to 1600 feet . I am in very good shape and walk regularly. I have had a Boston Scientific pacemaker for 3 years but I haven't exercised at high altitude with it. Any feedback would be welcome.
Thanks, Bonnie

3 Comments

should be fine

by Tracey_E - 2010-06-20 09:06:14

My parents live at 6500 feet and we hike and ski as high as 10,000 and I live at sea level. 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.

No problem

by ElectricFrank - 2010-06-20 11:06:09

There is nothing about the pacemaker that is affected by altitude. The only possibility is what sort of condition brought about getting the pacer.

As with any of us you are affected by what sort of shape you are in, and to some degree the altitude you normally live at.

I live at 2500' and last weekend went with a 4wd group up to around 8500'. No problem hiking up mountain sides to look at old mines etc. A couple of years ago I took a Jeep over Imogene Pass in Colorado at 13,200'. From there I hiked up to a lookout. Any of us feel it a bit at that altitude, but just stopping and letting my breathing slow down a bit was all I needed.

My pacer is for 100% AV Block and it puts things pretty much back to usual for me. By the way I just turned 80.

Enjoy the trip. It is beautiful country.

frank

General rules about altitude

by COBradyBunch - 2010-06-21 05:06:07

I live in Denver and ride my bike over some of the higher passes in the rockies (up to 12000 feet) and the pacer really doesn't give a damn but follow some basic rules:

A. Take it slow

A slow ascent is one way to prevent altitude sickness, but this may not be practical if you're flying direct to Denver International Airport. Still, try to give your body a break and take it easy once you land.


B.

Doctors seem to agree that acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of water to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day).


C. Shelve South Beach

Melissa Gallagher, founder of Healthy Being, LLC says “A carb-rich diet is key because carbohydrates naturally replace muscle glycogen levels and prevent protein from being burned as energy.” She adds that high-carb diets also require less oxygen for metabolism and digestion.


D. Iron person

Some doctors recommend increasing iron consumption prior to ascent, though the medical explanation is unclear. Some believe it increases the amount of O2 your body can hold in the blood stream but as always, check with your doctor first.


E. Listen to your body

You don’t need the Colorado Guide to tell you that rest and sleep will help you adjust to the elevation. That sluggish, exhausted feeling? Those drooping eyelids and dragging feet? That’s your body’s way of telling you to get some shut eye – probably the most helpful thing you can do.

F. If it is really starting to bother you, go DOWN.

G. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Beverages like caffeine and alcohol might be tempting when you come in from the cold, but they can also dehydrate you, which can cause some of the altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches and nausea. During your day drink plenty of water and restrict the amount of coffee and alcohol consumption at least in the first few days of your stay.

H. Avoid salty foods: Salty foods are another thing you should eat sparingly. They can dehydrate you, much like the caffeine and alcohol mentioned above. You should also increase the number of carbohydrates you consume, and stick to low fat foods. Take healthy snacks with you such as granola bars and similar.

I. One of the biggest problems you will find is that because the air is so much thinner, you might find it difficult to breathe. Your body will adapt naturally to the thinner air as your vacation progresses, but it is important that you don't try too much on the first day(s).

J. Two of the most common altitude sickness symptoms you might be afflicted with during your stay are insomnia and a loss of appetite. The most effective way of dealing with these problems is to take things easy until the symptoms ease. It is important that you do not miss any meals because you need your body to process the food as energy. If you find it difficult to eat larger meals make sure you snack frequently on high carbohydrate, low fat health bars and other health food products designed for hiking, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.