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Can Physical Exertion At Higher Altitudes Lead To Loss Of Stamina?
Question: Lived in XXXXXXX for 35 years, smoked for 50 yrs,
drank 3-4 drinks/day. Walked 2 miles/day at 6,000+ ft
altitude, half up hill & half down hill. Eat healthly.
Oxygen level = 85-88 without spiriva(91-93 with),
good stamina.
15 months ago quit smoking and quit drinking. Started
walking 2 miles per day.
Nine month's ago moved to Bacliff 19 ft above sealevel.
Saw new doctor, who suggested stopping lisinopril 20mg
daily. Tried for 21 days but BP too high when walking.
Tried 10 mg but that was still too low a dose. Back to
20 mg, but noticed loss of stamina.
Ability to walk more than 1.6 miles at a time; gone,
stamina decreased significantly? Stopped spiriva after
2 weeks when oxygen levels were typically 95-99 always.
Still don't smoke but drink about 1 per day.
Why did I loose the stamina?
Is ther a fix?
drank 3-4 drinks/day. Walked 2 miles/day at 6,000+ ft
altitude, half up hill & half down hill. Eat healthly.
Oxygen level = 85-88 without spiriva(91-93 with),
good stamina.
15 months ago quit smoking and quit drinking. Started
walking 2 miles per day.
Nine month's ago moved to Bacliff 19 ft above sealevel.
Saw new doctor, who suggested stopping lisinopril 20mg
daily. Tried for 21 days but BP too high when walking.
Tried 10 mg but that was still too low a dose. Back to
20 mg, but noticed loss of stamina.
Ability to walk more than 1.6 miles at a time; gone,
stamina decreased significantly? Stopped spiriva after
2 weeks when oxygen levels were typically 95-99 always.
Still don't smoke but drink about 1 per day.
Why did I loose the stamina?
Is ther a fix?
Brief Answer:
Advice to undergo EKG and pulmonary function test for further evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At lower altitudes, the higher pressure makes oxygen more available to the body. That could be the reason why your oxygen levels are maintained at 95-99 without Spiriva now.
However, during exertion, the need for oxygen increases and since you have a history of smoking (and likely COPD) your lungs may not be able to handle excess oxygen demands.
So I recommend getting Pulmonary function testing done again and restart Spiriva accordingly.
Loss of stamina is also concerning for possible cardiac issue. So please be advised to get an EKG done too.
Finally, it is best to get a chest X-ray done. Given your smoking history, it is important to rule out the possibility of lung pathologies.
Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for further evaluation and management
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Advice to undergo EKG and pulmonary function test for further evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At lower altitudes, the higher pressure makes oxygen more available to the body. That could be the reason why your oxygen levels are maintained at 95-99 without Spiriva now.
However, during exertion, the need for oxygen increases and since you have a history of smoking (and likely COPD) your lungs may not be able to handle excess oxygen demands.
So I recommend getting Pulmonary function testing done again and restart Spiriva accordingly.
Loss of stamina is also concerning for possible cardiac issue. So please be advised to get an EKG done too.
Finally, it is best to get a chest X-ray done. Given your smoking history, it is important to rule out the possibility of lung pathologies.
Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for further evaluation and management
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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