Does High Altitude Have An Effect On The Angina?

Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016

Question: Is angina affected by high altitude
Also is frequent bronchitis affected by high altitude - We are considering moving to a city that is 5,500 above sea level - we currently live at sea level and I get bronchitis about once or twice a year - also, the previous question I asked about the effects of high altitude on angina is because of the contemplated move - one more thing, I also have been under a cardiologist care for the past six years for cardiomyopathy (my ejection fraction tested again last week is 51)

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, can affect

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Yes, high altitude can be troublesome to one with Bronchitis. Cardiac problems are not know to get worsen due to high altitude. But if you suffer an attack of angina there, it could become a severe one.

These risks stay as long as you get acclimatized. Once you get acclimatized, the risks of worsening lowers.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Please do ask if any doubts.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Am I correct in assuming that any bronchitis worsened by altitude can be treated with medication without a dangerous threat to my health. Also, the type of angina I have is not due to blockages in my main arteries (the angigram I was given earlier this year showed no blockage or significant plague in the the main arteries) but it is instead, according to my cardiologist,the angina is coming from possible partial blockages in the small veins associated with the heart. I have been assured by my cardiologist that although uncomfortable this kind of angina is not as threatening as the type associated with the heart arteries. So, am I correct in assuming a more severe angina that you mentioned would be more painful but not necessarily fatal and this severe angina can be treated with medication (such as nitro).

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Yes, you are right.

Need not worry, high altitude can aggravate the condition so as to increase symptoms but not fatal.

Can be managed with medications. Also, this is not for long. Once you are acclimatized, there is nothing to worry.

Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T