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Is Travelling To A High Altitude Okay When Having Mitral Valve Regurgitation?
Question: I have Mitral valve Regurgitation and I want to go to Bogota Colombia which is 8,660 ft up in the Andes,will i be safe to go in December for a family reunion?
Brief Answer:
You should avoid.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
See it won't be a safe visit. A person who has Mitral Regurgitation specially Moderate to Severe has increased work load on heart as the heart is compromised. When that person goes to high altitude then the oxygen requirement increases leading to increased work load on heart.
Moreover, there are chances of developing acute pulmonary edema.
Actually , tolerability varies from person to person. Your doctor must be aware of your status and your condition since long. He might permit you with increasing the dose of diuretics if he finds you in good state always when you see him.
I always advise my patients of Mitral Regurgitation to avoid going to such altitudes and if indispensable they should carry oxygen cylinder with them as probably they will develop breathlessness.
I know I am harsh but I am worried for my dear patients.
Facts can't be changed and I don't want to loose my patients.
So I would similarly advise you to avoid travelling there.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
You should avoid.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
See it won't be a safe visit. A person who has Mitral Regurgitation specially Moderate to Severe has increased work load on heart as the heart is compromised. When that person goes to high altitude then the oxygen requirement increases leading to increased work load on heart.
Moreover, there are chances of developing acute pulmonary edema.
Actually , tolerability varies from person to person. Your doctor must be aware of your status and your condition since long. He might permit you with increasing the dose of diuretics if he finds you in good state always when you see him.
I always advise my patients of Mitral Regurgitation to avoid going to such altitudes and if indispensable they should carry oxygen cylinder with them as probably they will develop breathlessness.
I know I am harsh but I am worried for my dear patients.
Facts can't be changed and I don't want to loose my patients.
So I would similarly advise you to avoid travelling there.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Note: click here to Consult a cardiac surgeon online. to know the best treatment option for your heart-related issues
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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