High altitude camping

ok after adjustment

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-11 15:53:35

Having a pacer makes no difference at high altitude, but the underlying heart problem that caused us to be paced may make it more interesting. I live at sea level and my parents and youngest kid live at 7500. We hike and ski up to 11,000 ft or so. I take it easy and hydrate the first day or two before trying anything strenuous. Some trips I'm fine, other trips I'm huffing and puffing the whole time. It doesn't stop me, just makes me a little slower. Stay hydrated and take it easy until you get used to it. Have fun. 

PM

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-06-12 20:40:34

I see you have a PM.  My reply below most likely won't apply to you.   Recommend posing your question to your cardiologist.

My situation is different, and yes, I did have a problem with altitude.  Before that, I had a major heart attack, heart damage and 20-25 percent left ventricle ejection fraction.  I couldn't make it over a mountain pass because I couldn't get enough air to breathe.  That was 9 years ago.  Now I also have an ICD to control tachycardia and arrhythmia issues.  Last week I had an ICD interrogation and asked my EP about altitude restrictions.  He advised that the lack of oxygen can lead to tachycardia and the ICD will respond with needed corrections (shocks). The EP recommended carrying a supplemental oxygen tank.  In the future, I will take more time acclimating to higher altitudes, monitor my breathing more carefully and carry bottled oxygen as a backup.

Writing from 7000 feet!

by Kcambridge - 2018-06-20 09:30:58

Hi there,

im not sure what your underlying condition is, but I hike and camp all the time with a PM for complete heart block without any issues. I live at sea level. Yesterday completed a hike at ~8000. My only symptoms due to altitude are ones I experienced before getting the PM - pretty standard symptoms like exhaustion, getting winded easily, etc. All in all, I’d say drink water, give your self time to acclimatize, and go have fun!