Atrialfibrillation and altitude

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation triggers: Does anyone know if altitude can trigger AF? I am on Bisoprolol but have noticed an increase in AF when at higher altitudes. Is this causal or more associated wth the stress of travel?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Altitude was discussed a few months ago and I have posted the link below. However, I suspect it is a combination of both altitude and stress - traveling was an adventure when I was younger but crowded train stations and airports now make things a nightmare.

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for that. I agree absolutely that getting older reduces ones stamina...unforunately! I have normal perfusion in my coronaries but was wondering if there was any association between arrythmias and altitude.

[Ianc2]

Depends on what you mean by altitude - do you have any specific height in mind?

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

over 2000metres

[seasider18 in reply to Hidden]

My blood pressure rose when we were at altitude in Switzerland. The day we came down on the train quickly to lower levels I could actually feel it lowering.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

Hi Deriba,

My husband has paroxysmol AF too.

He has been on walking holidays high up in the Alps and skiing. No problems flying.

His main trigger is losing his temper or becoming very stressed and tired.

Becoming dehydrated in hot weather is another trigger .

[Ianc2 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Deriba

2.000 metres is the height that most insurance companies specify. You can pay an extra premium to go higher. I usually ride up, walk along and ride back down these days, but care is needed as it is very easy to go above your cover limit as you wander along, or take another cable car to go up just a bit further because it's a bit cooler higher up.

These days I tend to wander around Austria in summer. It is generally a bit lower and if you hunt around you can get free buses and lift passes in some resorts, along with some outstanding drinking water.

Having said that Wengen and the Lauterbrunnen valley in Swizerland is totally impressive and the Emporer's path, on a fine day has a panorama of the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau that is outstanding

[Lizzie20 in reply to Ianc2]

Hi, I went to Switzerland in 70 with the rangers (senior guides) first to Adelboden then to Interlaken. We went up the Jungfrau absolutely beautiful area, loved Switzerland.