Does altitude affect the heart? (blood pressure, doctor, ears, medication)

[Noyd]

I have high blood pressure which is under control with medication. I lived at 6,000'. 2 years ago I moved to 7,300'. Shortly after, I could hear and feel my heart beat. My cardiologist says altitude isn't detrimental. In the past 2 years, I've experimented by going to sea level for 1- 3 weeks at a time. I have more energy, and don't feel and hear my heart beating. It's more difficult to meditate or relax as I feel my heart pound, and as you can imagine is creating a bit of anxiety for me. Has anyone had this happen to them? Any suggestions? Will living at this altitude have an adverse effect on my health?

[FL_TN_Nana]

I think it's a good idea to listen to your body - and your cardiologist. Since you're still having questions, maybe you should get a second opinion from another cardiologist. Do you take your b/p regularly? I would suggest keeping a record of it for a while, then discuss any changes at different altitudes with your dr.

[fuzzymystic]

I always thought the air was 'thinner'-when you see sporting events at high altitude places it seems like the people get winded a lot quicker than normal, so if it affects your breathing/lungs, that's related to your heart. Why does the doctor say it isn't detrimental?

[sunsprit]

Of course altitude affects the heart.

With your concerns, it may be worthwhile to consult another cardiologist for a second opinion.

[christina0001]

If you believe the additional 1300' of altitude makes a difference, and it's stressing you out, you'll make your blood pressure go up just from believing it and worrying about it, even if the altitude doesn't actually make a major difference.

[janetjanetbobanet]

Altitude does make a difference, but from 6,000 to 7,300 shouldn't make a whole lot, especially after being there two years.

[michelleleigh]

Wow you could be my Mom
She is having the same sort of experiance. I would say get a 2nd opion stick with the meditation no mater what. Maybe you should be checked for breathing problems< my mom had seasonal athsam for years and ndid not know it and of course poor breathing is bad for you whole body, Good luck and god bless

[michelleleigh]

This may be a bit personal but if you moved somewhere you are noy t happy at or if tahht move had stress with it or yo have a lot of stress now and are not letting it out you might be having anxity attacks