Hike to Everest Base Camp anyone?

[Gail1967]

So I’m thinking of doing this as a bucket list dream - let’s say before I reach 60- I’m 54 this year. Had quadruple heart bypass 2 years ago at 51- anyone know of someone who has done altitude things post heart issue?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Count me out! High altitudes are not recommended for us hearties. I was a fan of the late John Peel who died suddenly from a heart attack on a visit to Manchu Pinnchu. Altitude (causing reduced oxygen) was thought to be the main contributory factor. Manchu Pinnchu is about 2,500m above sea level with the being around 3,300m. Everest base camp is about 5,400. Generally the maximum recommended altitude for hearties is around 2,000 - 2,500m.

[QuadroVEINia in reply to MichaelJH]

Never knew this was a risk... thanks for sharing!

[Gail1967 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you- all the replies have made me think. Sadly I feel it’s probably not worth the risk

[Cruger]

I’ve just finished building a model of Mount Everest.

My mate asked “Is it to scale?”

“No” I replied, “It’s to look at”

😊

[Gladwyn in reply to Cruger]

😂😂😂

[Alessa_]

Hi Gail, I too would love to do EBC! I have ventricular tachycardia and my tricuspid valve was damaged during ablation leaving it leaking severely. Since then, as I was asymptomatic, I've hiked up to 3700m (12,000ft) in various trips. A word to the wise, altitude sickness is unpredictable, the fittest person can have it on one journey and not at all on another. I abandoned my summit on Toubkal a couple of years ago due to altitude sickness and then went higher the following year in the canaries. My heart is deteriorated now over time and I'm awaiting surgery.I've solo hiked but wherever advised (ie Toubkal) I've taken a guide, I've had travel insurance with good medical cover, I've asked my cardiologist beforehand and I've bought a private prescription of acetazolamide (do seek advice on that).

I can't take the decision for you but I hope this is of some help

[Gail1967 in reply to Alessa_]

Thank you - the replies have been really interesting - it’s a shame but I think it’s prob not worth the risk

[Alessa_ in reply to Gail1967]

I hope you find something safer that kindles your excitement. I may have to rethink my dream too here but as others have said, there are some truly wonderous places at lower altitudesKeep exploring ☺️

[Mikedabike]

Hi Gail, I know a number of people who have completed the hike to Everest Base Camp. I haven’t done that walk, but did complete a different route known as the Makalu to Everest trek. At the time I had a bicuspid aortic valve and stenosis, but didn’t know it. The walk was in 2011 and I had my AVR in December 2019. In hindsight knowing what I know now, I would be pretty sure that very high altitude treks are not suitable for ‘hearties’. This is based on my own knowledge and experience not any medical training. High altitude can affect people in very different ways, and it does not depend on your levels of fitness. I know of Olympic athletes who have suffered from altitude sickness and had to be airlifted to lower altitude, on the reverse I know of people who would not be considered unduly fit, but who have dealt with altitude with no problems. It can literally be a lottery finding out how your body adapts to high altitude. There are plenty of excellent lower level treks in stunning locations. I used a company called The Mountain Company who were superb. I personally would not recommend the Base Camp trek. The trek I completed actually descended the Everest Base Camp trail, and I found it to be a crowded, over commercialised route with little to recommend it. My own gut feeling is that high altitude trekking would place too much strain on the heart, and it just would not be worth the risk.

[Gail1967 in reply to Mikedabike]

Thank you for the recommendation - I will scale back & have a look at what’s on offer at a lower level!!

[Pollypuss]

See Ranulf Fiennes website. 7 Marathons in seven days in 7 different countries . He was an Everest climber He had a bypass

[Prada47]

Hi Gail

Never been to EBC but I have been to the summit !!

I was returning from China on a Cathay Pacific flight when the pilot came on the tannoy .

" Sorry to wake you folks, but we are just passing over Everest" and it is one of the best views I have ever had of the summit . It was certainly that when your flying at 35000ft it was only 6000ft or so below, magnificent . Something that I will remember forever.

Out of interest what else do you have on your list and why EBC are you a past climber ??

Vaccinate Hands Face Space to stay safe

[Gail1967 in reply to Prada47]

Hi- don’t consider myself a climber but have done Scafell - ultimate 100k in 24 hrs walking challenges so have some experience that I felt would see me ok on hike to base camp-a friend has done it & is no more fit than I am- but no heart issue. I hadn’t factored in the altitude which is prob most impactful on heart- so I am realist & will put that one to bed!!! Thanks for the reply

[Alison_L]

I took the train, rather than walk the trail. So much easier!! Especially as I was gasping for breath just climbing up the 2 flights to our bedroom in the Cusco hotel. Like you, pre heart attack - wouldn't even think about now, but I have the memories.

[Prada47]

Hello Gail

There are 2 ways to get from Kathmandu to Base Camp (High Camp) by plane or bus, both look a little dodgy !!!!

I have read up on this and I think the South West Costal Paths 630 miles may be a better option lol

About 6 weeks at 15 miles a day or 5 weeks doing 9 miles morning and 9 Afternoon, with plenty of time for an Evening meal and of course a Beer. If Lezzers is coming it will be an evening G & T watching the Sunset in the South West.

Thinking about this some more I would be happy to drive the support vehicle !!!!

Vaccinate Hands Face Space to stay safe

[jerry12953]

It sounds like you're scaling back on your plans but I hate to think what the insurance premium would be!

Re: altitude sickness;

A number of years ago long before heart problems I took the cabin lift to the summit of Mont Blanc from Chamonix. When I got to the top I could barely breathe or move, and felt nauseous. It was HORRIBLE! Don't underestimate it........