How does altitude affect blood pressure? - Heart Disorders Message Board

KenFL · 05-21-2007, 07:29 AM

85 year old on medicine for moderately high blood pressure will be traveling to New Mexico. Anyone know whether a change in altitude from sea level to an elevated area affect the blood pressure and if so, how?

Thanks in advance... K.

started04 · 05-21-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenFL

85 year old on medicine for moderately high blood pressure will be traveling to New Mexico. Anyone know whether a change in altitude from sea level to an elevated area affect the blood pressure and if so, how?

Thanks in advance... K.

Hi Ken,

Altitudes less than 5 miles above sea level usually is not a problem...A gradual ascent to Denver (mile high) would provide a safe reaction as it gives the system time to adjust.

For some perspective, oxygen easily passes through lung membranes into the blood at sea level. High altitudes (lower air pressure) makes it difficult for oxygen to enter one's vascular system (medically termed hypoxia).

Hypoxia creates an inability to do normal activities without fatigue. There is an increase risk of heart failure due to the added stress placed on lungs, heart and arteries at high altitude.

And there is an increase in breathing and heart rate to as much as double even while resting. Pulse rate and blood pressure go up sharply as our hearts pump harder to get more oxygen to the cells. These are stressful changes, especially for people with weak hearts.

Lenin · 05-22-2007, 06:49 AM

Ken,

Altitude is not generally a problem for people with ESSENTIAL hypertension but it can be a deadly serious issue with those suffering from PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

In general, I look at increased altitude as lowering the pressure on the body and thus releiving resistance on the entire vascular system. So, if anything, the effect would be like taking a peripheral dilator and thus high altitude might be expected to lower BP somewhat. Probably the opposite effect might be seen in deep sea diving but then there are probably very few 85 year olds experiencing THAT effect.

started04 · 05-22-2007, 10:14 AM

The bends has more to due with pressure changes, but the etiology of high altitude has more to due with rarefied (less dense) air that contains less oxygen.

Inadditon to some impairment of the anotomic transport mechanism for oxygen, a deficit of oxygen compromises lungs, heart, etc. There will be an increase in repiration and heart rate to compensate. May be detrimental depending altitude and one's condition.

KenFL · 05-22-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenkeith

In additon to some impairment of the anotomic transport mechanism for oxygen, a deficit of oxygen compromises lungs, heart, etc. There will be an increase in repiration and heart rate to compensate. May be detrimental depending altitude and one's condition.

Thanks for the comments.

I wonder whether carrying a small bottle of oxygen would be beneficial (if oxygen is permitted on airlines), considering that Santa Fe at about 6800' is not all that extreme; or whether a compromised delivery system could still lead to a deficiency.