Does altitude affect the heart? (blood pressure, doctor, heartbeat, specialist)

[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

[michaelresearch]

We moved to 8500 ft above sea level .One week after being there I started hearing my pulse off and on. I went to the doctor on a regular basis that could not find the cause although my blood pressure was a little elevated when I was in the office ,I was nervous.She sent me to two specialist that could not find a cause for hearing my heartbeat constantly . In four years I heard it most of the time like a drum in my ear pounding day and night around the clock. We just moved to 72 ft above sea level and I haven't heard it in almost 6 months. So I guess I either had high blood pressure or the pressure was causing something in my ears to hear my heart all the time. I hope this helps.

[miyu]

Lack of oxygen will place a greater demand on your heart, causing your heart to pump faster to get the blood needed. This will be worsened if you have coronary artery disease, other heart disease, lung disease (like COPD or emphysema), anemia, deconditioning of your muscles, or general poor health. I think the difference between the two altitudes can be explained by a worsening of your health over the last 2 years which now makes it more noticeable even with a slight increase in altitude. Usually people compensate by increasing their red blood cell production (to carry more oxygen) but unfortunately if you have anemia, you might not be able to make enough cells. Also get checked for bleeding disorders (i.e. stool blood) if you happen to be chronically anemic.