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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can A Atrial Fibrillation Person Take A High Altitude Vacation?

I have chronic a-fib, 24/7. It was previously controlled with different meds following a cardio version, but that is no longer effective. I now live at 60 of altitude in Houston, and take yearly trips, or more often, to New Mexico, Colorado and/or Wyoming, where I grew up. The altitudes vary from 8500 or 9000 to 7200 and down to about 6000 . I am a 73 yr old female, overweight and fairly sedentary due to exercise fatigue from the a-fib. I am contemplating a vacation of 2 weeks or less at an altitude of 7000 or 8000 . We would be making the ascent by automobile, and I don t anticipate any hiking or climbing. My blood pressure is well-controlled at about 120/70 but my heart rate is obviously erratic and usually rapid at 80-90. My question is whether this is something I can safely do? I had an echocardiogram, an ECG and a semiannual checkup with my cardiologist about 3 weeks ago.
Mon, 1 Oct 2018
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hi,

Yes, atrial fibrillation per se will not stop you from going to high altitude, especially if your heart function is normal in ECHO. However, there may be the risk of fast ventricular rate, so you should have medicines with you to control it. Otherwise, I don't think, there are any issues with high altitude.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Sagar Makode,
Cardiologist
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Can A Atrial Fibrillation Person Take A High Altitude Vacation?

Hi, Yes, atrial fibrillation per se will not stop you from going to high altitude, especially if your heart function is normal in ECHO. However, there may be the risk of fast ventricular rate, so you should have medicines with you to control it. Otherwise, I don t think, there are any issues with high altitude. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Sagar Makode, Cardiologist