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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Travelling From Sea Level To Denver Safe While Having A Fib, Chf And COPD?

Dad has A Fib (INR 3.5); chf and copd. He is 83. We have to move with family and I worry: can we move from sea level (SF) to Denver (5000 m) safely? We would take a train (32 hours travel) and of course once we get there we will rest. But we have to move there. If we see his MDs (for suggestions, changes in meds, referrals to a new doc) can he make the adjustment? Please help!

Tue, 23 Dec 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Your dad would be at increased risk if he moves to Denver with the conditions of atrial fib, COPD, and CHF. Because of the higher altitude and lower level of oxygen, this might be enough to upset any current balance he has between his conditions and meds. The transition would have to be over a much longer period than 32 hours. It would be more like weeks or months. It is critical that you discuss this change with his cardiologist and get his/her advice. There may be other meds they can use to ease the transition. But in general I would be very concerned about his moving to Denver. I myself have a father with A fib and CHF, and I live near Denver, and I don't let him visit me here because of these concerns. Hope this helps.
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Is Travelling From Sea Level To Denver Safe While Having A Fib, Chf And COPD?

Your dad would be at increased risk if he moves to Denver with the conditions of atrial fib, COPD, and CHF. Because of the higher altitude and lower level of oxygen, this might be enough to upset any current balance he has between his conditions and meds. The transition would have to be over a much longer period than 32 hours. It would be more like weeks or months. It is critical that you discuss this change with his cardiologist and get his/her advice. There may be other meds they can use to ease the transition. But in general I would be very concerned about his moving to Denver. I myself have a father with A fib and CHF, and I live near Denver, and I don t let him visit me here because of these concerns. Hope this helps.