Anyone with AF attempted any High Alt... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Anyone with AF attempted any High Altitude visits i.e Machu Pichu?
I was going to do Mont Blanc a couple of years back as it's on (or was on) my bucket list, but decided it wasn't a good idea, i.e. having the risk of being short of breath even at normal altitude, and then having the added problem of thin air, can't be a good idea can it? So I've decided that I won't go over 4000m. I don't know where I got that figure from, I think a mountaineering friend told me.
Though Machu Pichu is only 2,430 metres according to Wikipedia?
I don't think its advisable
I went up Mount Evans (4300m) in the Rockies five years ago when I still had AF. OK I motored most of the way (it's the highest paved road in the US) but I still climbed the last part. Quite hard work and I think the suggestion of 4000m is a sensible one. I've been up Mt Etna (3300m) without problem. Machu Pichu at 2,430m shouldn't be a problem but it all depends how fit you are and how hard the AF hits you.
I did the Macchu Picchu trek last year before being diagnosed with AF, and the changes in altitude definitely affected me. I also had a bad reaction to anti-altitude drugs.However I was not on any medication at the time and I don't regret thre trip! Take your pills with you and have fun if you go for it!
Hi alisonb Do I assume from your kind reply that you had undianosed AF before or during your trip? I'm getting more confident that the trip is do-able. Waiting for my specialist cardiac nurse to speak to a higher specialist to confirm all is OK. Thanks for your comments and those of others