Heart Valves and Altitude

My wife and I have been living in Denver for almost three years (moved from the great state of Michigan) .  My wife had open heart surgery our first summer here (severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate aortic regurgitation).  This was her third open heart.  Now, it appears that she is having valve issues again.  We are going this week for a esphogial scan (I can't remember the proper term).  I am starting to wonder if there is any correlation between the altitude and the valve issues.  Basically, is living at such a high altitude having a negative impact upon her valves?  Are there any studies relating on this?  Is there anything we can do to help with this problem?

[kenkeith]

Denver is an elevation of about 5000 feet.  There should not be any problems, and an altitude of 8000 feet may be of consequence for some illnesses.

Most people who have a chronic illness, such as heart or lung disease, can safely spend time at a 8000 high altitude if their disease is under control. People who have coronary artery disease, mild emphysema or high blood pressure aren't at greater risk of high-altitude illness than people who don't have these diseases. They also don't risk making their disease worse by traveling to a high altitude. In addition, being overweight does not increase the risk of getting high-altitude illness.

Some diseases make going to a high altitude very dangerous. People who have sickle cell anemia shouldn't go to a high altitude. A high altitude is also dangerous for people who have severe lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe emphysema, and for people who have severe heart disease.

High altitudes have low oxygen levels, and illnesses related to respiration are vulnerable.  

[ed34]

An interesting chart...

http://www.higherpeak.com/altitudechart.html

[kenkeith]

Charts are interesting.