Traveling to Colorado, Elevation?

Hello everyone! Hope you are all doing well. I just booked a trip to Colorado for next month and am very excited. I'm currently living in flat Florida so I'm a little nervous about how the elevation will affect me. Our second day we plan on biking down Pike's Peak which is an elevation of 14,000ft... I called the company to see how people react to the elevation and they mentioned those with heart conditions feel the difference more. I know to drink a lot of water but any other tips? I just want to enjoy my trip and not worry about anything else ;)

THANKS! ;)

4 Comments

Effects Of Change In Altitude

by SMITTY - 2011-08-21 12:08:26

Hello

My suggestion is between now and the time for your trip, with your Dr okay, do lots of calisthenics to increase your breathing capacity. The higher elevation is not going to affect your pacemaker and the problem may come from your lungs and heart that are accustomed to working at sea level. This change bothers some and not others. The one thing I would say to you is if your breathing becomes more labored don't think your PM is giving up. It is not going to care if you are at sea level or 50K feet because it lives in a sealed environment and its internal pressure will remain the same.

Now go enjoy that trip and don't be anticipating problems. If one does show up don't panic, just slow down.

I wish you a good trip,

Smitty

Handling altitude

by ElectricFrank - 2011-08-22 02:08:07

If possible it would be a good idea to spend a few days in Denver (5,000') or one of the mountain towns to allow yourself to become acclimated to the altitude. Living at sea level you have a large jump to 14,000'. Even living at 2500' like I do makes quite a difference when I go to the high country.

Drinking plenty of water is a good idea. You might also look at taking bit of extra salt and potassium to make up for what you will flush out by drinking more.

One other suggestion to keep in mind. Be aware that at high altitudes it is easy to flush too much carbon dioxide from your lungs if you breath heavily when not exercising. This can happen if you push it to much and wind up seriously out of breath. Stopping and gasping for air can start a hyperventilation syndrome and even lead to anxiety/panic. The trick is to breath deep and slow while recovering.

A few years ago I drove a Jeep over Imogene Pass at 13,200' and hiked around at the top with no real problems.

frank

Thank you both!

by Angrevwilliams - 2011-08-28 10:08:06

Thank you both Smitty and Frank-

You both brought up very good points and I greatly apprecaite your feedback. Smitty, you are right, the Pacemaker is in a sealed environment so it doesn't know better! I think a lot of it is mind over matter :) And Frank you are right, we are going to move our Pikes Peak adventure a few days back so I can adjust a little more. Glad to hear you went up to 13,200 with no problems- that makes me feel much better... I will have to post a picture on here when I make it to the top....
Thank you again!
-Angie

Interesting

by Angrevwilliams - 2011-08-29 11:08:29

Thanks Doug. I have never heard of this Diamox but just googled it and that sounds great- can you get that over the counter or would I have to call a dr? Yes, I will def. drink plenty of water and watch my alcohol consumption, I have heard that affects you a lot differently in higher altitudes, as well!

Thank you again!

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Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.