OAUSA Net - March 11, 2021 - Outdoor Adventure for Seniors

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PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS AT ALTITUDE

There is a lot more information on the below website regarding preexisting conditions and high altitude. Below is an excerpt on High Blood Pressure.

http://www.altitudemedicine.org/altitud ... conditions


Many people with specific health issues can travel safely to altitude.
If you have a specific concern regarding a medical condition, read the section below and contact us if you need more information.
PULMONARY PROBLEMS

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HBP)

It is not uncommon for lowland visitors with a history of HBP to experience temporarily high blood pressure at high altitude. This occurs even if you are on blood pressure medication and have well controlled blood pressure at sea level. A small percentage of these people will have unusually labile (unstable) blood pressure. HBP at altitude usually returns to your baseline blood pressure after 1-2 weeks at altitude. One explanation for this is due to the higher levels of adrenaline or stress hormones in your body due to lower oxygen levels. Some persons with HBP, however, develop lower blood pressure on ascent to high altitude. You generally do not need to change your blood pressure medication dosage. Increasing your dosage could result in dangerously low blood pressure upon returning to low altitude. If you are having symptoms from your high blood pressure such as headache, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical treatment. Occasionally, HBP will need to be treated with medications. Further studies are needed to better understand blood pressure response at altitude and how best to treat it.

The following are things you can do that may help your high blood pressure:

Make sure your blood pressure is well controlled at sea level
Reduce salt in your diet
Stay on your medications
Check your blood pressure at high altitude
Seek medical care if symptoms develop or blood pressure is out of control

Persons with difficult-to-control blood pressure can use oxygen, especially at night, to avoid problems. Living at high altitude over long periods of time can result in lower blood pressure. The reason for this is also poorly understood and needs to be studied further.