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Living At 7,000 Feet Above Sea Level, How To Treat HBP And Breathing Problems?
I live in Santa Fe NM at 7,000 feet. Whenever I leave and visit a place at sea level (or less than 3000 feet) I reluctantly admit my breathing comes easier. I am 77, have always been athletic but I have high blood pressure and
it seems each time I come back from a trip, breathing is just a little less easy at home. For the HBP I take amlodipine and losartan every night , but I'm beginning to conclude that I may need something stronger or ?????? I love it here in Santa FE and want to stay and would appreciate your reaction and suggestions . . . Thank you. David
it seems each time I come back from a trip, breathing is just a little less easy at home. For the HBP I take amlodipine and losartan every night , but I'm beginning to conclude that I may need something stronger or ?????? I love it here in Santa FE and want to stay and would appreciate your reaction and suggestions . . . Thank you. David
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
Hi there,
Thanks for your query.
Certain compensatory mechanisms come into play in order to readapt the body to high altitude. This is called acclimatization. However, coming down to sea level and staying there for more than 10 days, requires the body to re-acclimatize to high altitude. This is the reason why breathlessness occurs when you go back to Santa FE.
Further, both- high blood pressure (particularly if uncontrolled on drugs) + rarified air- are taxing your heart. It is therefore essential that you maintain your Blood pressure to less than 130/80.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, and control the blood pressure strictly.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Take care
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Thanks for your query.
Certain compensatory mechanisms come into play in order to readapt the body to high altitude. This is called acclimatization. However, coming down to sea level and staying there for more than 10 days, requires the body to re-acclimatize to high altitude. This is the reason why breathlessness occurs when you go back to Santa FE.
Further, both- high blood pressure (particularly if uncontrolled on drugs) + rarified air- are taxing your heart. It is therefore essential that you maintain your Blood pressure to less than 130/80.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, and control the blood pressure strictly.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Take care
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
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