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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Not Climb Stairs At Old Age?

I am 81 with two piggy valves and have had an aneurysm 3 years ago...weight 113 same as day I graduated form college...have 5 pregnancies, 4 children, a husband and a dog....a month ago I started going down the stairs in our building...we live on the 14th floor...and then I come back up...all in 19 minutes having rested on 5, 11 and then to the top....I think this is good but got an earful from a relative that :I'm killing myself"...etc...Am I?
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Good to know, you are still fit enough to do 14 floors. Your relative was right in advising you not to try such things.
You are suffering from cardiac problems already and unnecessary extra stress could start a Myocardial infarction. At your age, walking on level ground with reduced stress is advisable. Maybe 1 or 2 floors. The other risk is of fall and fractures, as elderly can get dizzy due to orthostatic hypotension.
Even if you are fit, try to take extra precautions, as climbing increases the risk and fall can put you in bed for a long time. Take care.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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Should I Not Climb Stairs At Old Age?

Hi, Good to know, you are still fit enough to do 14 floors. Your relative was right in advising you not to try such things. You are suffering from cardiac problems already and unnecessary extra stress could start a Myocardial infarction. At your age, walking on level ground with reduced stress is advisable. Maybe 1 or 2 floors. The other risk is of fall and fractures, as elderly can get dizzy due to orthostatic hypotension. Even if you are fit, try to take extra precautions, as climbing increases the risk and fall can put you in bed for a long time. Take care. Any further queries, happy to help again.