Q:
I am 77 year old man with an enlarged aorta and irregular heartbeat for which I am being treated with coumadin. My daughter is being married at a high altitude ranch in New Mexico at 8200 ft high. Is this a concern for my heart issues?
A:
High altitude (4,900–11,500 ft) is associated with a decreased Oxygen in the atmosphere. The human body adapts to that with thing like hyperventilation and a faster heart rate (in about 4 days).
In patients with poor lungs, coronary artery disease and poor kidney function this could cause problems. You should talk to your doctor and ask whether this presents a particular problem to you. The things you mentioned to me are not.
You can read here what your risk is:
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/risks-benefits/cardiovascular-risk
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/app/risk-assessment.php
Hope this helps,
Dr T
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/