altitude

effects

by The real Patch - 2017-10-03 12:23:44

odd, your profile says you live in Kansas which has an average altitude of 4,000ft and a low point of 679. Still...

I live at 2,400ft above sea level. We discovered when I fly at a normal cruise altitude (32,000ft avg) I struggle mightily with all kinds of heart symptoms. I found multiple studies that prove the airlines pressurize their planes to the equivalent of 8,000 ft which results in a reduction of oxygen getting to the body (@4%). For someone already struggling with Congestive Heart Failure and unstable Angina it stands to reason that further depletion of oxygen would have significant impact.

I recently went to So Cal and spent a lot of time at Newport beach and Hermosa beach as well as a few others nearby and felt really good, in fact best I've felt in a long time. I was able to walk longer distances and up rather steep inclines with minimal impact whereas recently I have become a shut in due to declining ability to walk and do simple things.

Is there a correlation...absolutely. and don't be surprised, when I brought all this up with my Cardiologist who is believe me well rounded in knowledge and ability, he was at a loss as well. This phenomenon only happens in a rare few, estimated in the studies at 1 in a million. so one in a million gets little to no attention. Hope this helps allay your concerns

Oxygen saturation

by Selwyn - 2017-10-04 19:24:43

You have a problem with oxygen saturation as mentioned by others.

At 277lbs ( 19.7 stones, or 125kg) you need to loose weight . Perhaps you should look at The Pickwickian Syndrome, characterised by lack of oxygen due to being over weight? Weight also restricts the respiratory movements.

The lowering of your blood pressure to 117/77 will further exacerbate blood flow. Sometimes with a chronic low oxygen, your blood thickens and this adds to the problem, as well as making you more liable to blood clots. Diltiazem also keeps your heart rate low. It can cause fluid retention. All problematic when trying to adjust to a low oxygen level in your body. 

You can eventually get lack of oxygen at sea level, first with exercise, and then as things worsen at rest. Eventually, heart failure can ensue as the condition worsens.

I think I would get your oxygen saturation levels done ( easily done with a small machine on your finger) and make sure you are neither anaemic or polycythaemic ( too many red cells ). 

Loose weight. 

I have been walking in Tibet ( Lassa is 3700m, 12139 feet.) and Nepal with my pacemaker without any problems. 

Good luck,

Selwyn