Altitude Sickness

[ABio]

I am 66 with 100% blocked LAD and ejection fraction of 45%. I am planning to go to the Himalayas at an altitude of 18,000 feet. My cardiologist has ok'd it. Does any of members have comments or experience which would help me?

[ChatterAlly]

I visited my son in Colorado last spring. I live at sea level.  At 11,500 feet I became very dizzy and a bit queasy.  I am an avid believer in walking daily to keep my heart pumping steady.  If you are not used to the altitude you may not tolerate it as well as you might think.  Have fun!  Ally

[Flycaster305]

You live in Cincinnati, the altitude is about 500 feet. I Live in an area with a similar altitude.  My ejection fraction was recently pegged at 43%, and I really struggled last weekend walking up two flights of stairs at an altitude of 6000 feet at Mt. Hood, Oregon. I'm four years older than you,  and in pretty good physical condition considering my heart trouble.  Caregiver gives great advice.  

[caregiver222]

You have provided insufficient information to make an informed comment.

A normal person can breathe at 18,000 feet, but you become woosey. I have done so for extended periods in an unpressurized aircraft.

How much time will you be spending up there and how much exertion will you be undergoing?

If there is supplemental oxygen available there will be no problem. If there is not, you have an increased probability of cardiac ischemia. That in turn may result in an infarct or an arythmia. An arythmia may turn into ventricular fibrillation.

If you are insistant on this "bucket-wish" then you should obtain a holter monitor from your physician and hire a pilot with a twin engine unpressurized aircraft to take you to eighteen thousand feet and keep you there while you are on a moniter. Then have your cardiologist evaluate the readings.