traveling to Colorado

Hi I was wondering if anyone had experienced any problems at high altitudes. I am planning a trip to Colorado for two weeks after pm replacement surgery and was wondering about the altitude in Denver. My cardio says shouldn't be a problem however his answer for nearly everything is no problem.

5 Comments

Trip to Denver

by kcruz - 2009-07-16 03:07:22

I recently had to move from Denver to sea level due to my issue, not much change since the move. The only advice I have is you need to stay hydrated and be careful if you drink, you tend to get a buzz a little faster, have a great time.

Effects of Altitude

by joni - 2009-07-16 04:07:18

If you type in altitude and use the search function on this site, you'll find lots of information about how folks with pacemakers have fared in the mountains. I've found their experiences helpful as well as the comments here as I have a pacemaker and am heading to Tibet in a few days. I attended a seminar on high altitude sickness and learned that most people have at least mild reactions to high altitude, whether they have a pacemaker or not. The major symptoms are shortness of breath, lack of sleep, elevated heart rate and headaches. The medical advice for everyone is to take it easy for the first couple of days, go slowly and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. If you have problems that don't go away, then descend; the symptoms are not permanent. My doctor also said, "No problem," (And I'm adopting his attitude for altitude, Cabg Patch.)

Live in Denver

by COBradyBunch - 2009-07-16 04:07:22

I am 3+ weeks into having a pacer and live in Denver. No issues that are PM related (although I use mine very little, just for a kick start when my HR drops really low - or pauses for the up to 10 seconds they saw in the hospital).

altitude

by Tracey_E - 2009-07-16 05:07:51

I found I have fewer problems dealing with altitude since I got my pm, it was a lot worse than before. I live at sea level but my parents live at 6500 and we hike/ski up to 10,000. I make sure I stay hydrated and take it easy for the first day or so, then anything goes! Listen to your body. Some people deal better than others, it has little to do with your pm.

I agree with TraceyE

by ElectricFrank - 2009-07-17 12:07:00

Two year ago I spent some time exploring the high country of Colorado at over 13,000' with very little problem. As with anyone who isn't adjusted to the altitude, I needed to slow down my hiking speed a bit.

There is nothing about the pacer that relates to altitude. Any effect on your response to altitude has more to do with what sort of condition your heart is in.

Enjoy, it's beautiful country,

frank

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

I love this new part of me, and very, very thankful that this technology exists and I know that it's all only going to get better over time.