Altitude afffect on AF?

[Lukesters]

I’m new to this community- I am 66 yrs. old and was diagnosed with AF last Fall. I live at an altitude of about 2,000 ft. I am planning a week long trip to the mountains of 8,000-11,000 ft. Does anyone have experience with such drastic altitude change and should I expect any affects on my AF? If so, any suggestions to help make my trip better? I feel well and seem to be well controlled on Propofanone, Metropolol & Eliquis.

[10gingercats]

This may relate to other conditions you may have as to how you tolerate a high mountains atmosphere. I was in India about nine years ago with ,at that time, untreated Afib.We went up to more than 14,000 feet......being deposited there by a coach and remaining therefor a few hours.I was fine but not so some of the others.I was generally ok apart from the Afib so I suggest it is individual as to how you might react.

[foxglove1 in reply to 10gingercats]

I agree with 10 ginger cats and was was also in India, in December. I have PAF and had concerns as part of our trip was going from sea level with 100% humidity to 6,000 feet up and cold. We spent two days at 6,000 and although this is not terribly high I experienced no problem at all.

I am fortunate in that i dont have any other problems and am only on Apixoban medication.

[Luludean]

You always have to be wary of altitude change with any heart problem.

[CDreamer]

Yes I think it does. Obviously less oxygen so everything, especially Heart has to work harder and faster. I found at 2000 metres I couldn’t function for the first few days and was in tachycardia if not AF for a lot of the time - but I did adjust but took about 5-6 days.

Hydration was the big thing - started from Denver - I some symptoms of altitude sickness before I even had AF - but drinking about 3L of water at day really helped, just pacing and going slower than I was used to. I think we went to about 8-9000 feet though and quite gradual.

Everyone reacts differently but I would have a plan 2 if you find it hard going. Af is not normally life threatening but I know of one person who died having ‘pushed through the pain’ and went into sudden heart failure.

[Lukesters in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CDreamer, I appreciate your reminder to drink plenty of water and just pace myself which generally is not my way of doing things- I’m a “get’er done now” type of person.

[CDreamer in reply to Lukesters]

And therein lies the difficulty.......know that....been there and got the Tshirt!

[MarkS]

I've been to the States, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, etc. where the average height is 6,000 ft. That had no effect. I've also been up to 14,000 ft on those trips in the Rockies and trekked around a bit which was OK. We had intended on climbing another 1,500 ft or so to the top of a mountain but that was too much. It had no effect on my AF.

[Lukesters in reply to MarkS]

Thank you, that is where we are headed to Grand Lake, Winter Park, Trail Ridge road and the Rockies in Colorado so it gets up there altitude wise. I appreciate everyone’s input thank you!

[EngMac]

The barometric pressure may have an effect. I notice weather related changes can have an effect. Since I have focused on my spine, maybe the pressure does something to the joints. Arthritis sufferers seems to be affected by bad weather.

[jwsonoma]

I would say if you have a choice try to sleep at the lowest altitude possible. For my self I find it easier to sleep at 7,000 vs 8,000 with trips up the ski hill to 10,000. It has never triggered AF in me and I go up skiing in the mountains of Northern California all the time.

To try to keep your body oxygenated your heart pumps more to speed up the passage of blood cells and you go to the bathroom a lot so there are more cells per liter of blood. You may find your self laying awake feeling your heart pound between bathroom trips the first couple of nights. Ginko Biloba a week before helps but ask your doc. Hydration is key.

[solarjdo69]

I had some issues going to higher altitudes. Went last November to Grand Canyon USA 6,804'. Labored breathing and tired easily. I always bring a oxygen finger reader and my oxygen was 7-8% lower. Usually here at my home 157' (virtually sea level) I get 97% Okygen reading. I measured 82-86% at that altitude. I am not in the best physical condition through lack of exercise, so it may not be as severe for those who are "in shape." But be aware that it can slow you down.