trekking with angina / heart issues
Replies: 11 - Last Post: Apr 5, 2013 4:36 PM Last Post By: jeanie99
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trekking with angina / heart issues
I have booked and paid for my flights to Katmandu dec 2013 but have since been diagnosed with angina/heart probs (57 yo).I do not intend to cancel but clearly take it easier . I am now looking for easy /short low level treks .I do not need nor want high comfort levels am happy to rough it but am clearly not able to carry big packs over 5000 m passes but can walk over rough ground and climb hills allbeit slowly with stops got any recommendations with this in mindregards chris p
1
Bummer...but I applaud your willingness to keep getting out there (and to take appropriate precautions and adjustments to your itinerary). Since this is new you probably don't have a good sense of how it will affect you, but I guess the first consideration (in Nepal, at least) would be altitude. How high can you go? Katmandu is already at about 4,600 feet and it's in a valley. How do the altitude drugs affect your condition? And do you plan to carry a pack and stay at the inns along the route? Or will you do day hikes that don't require a big pack?3
Make sure whoever is with you on these trips understands the latest heart pounding technique...which is about 100 pumps per minute....no more mouth to mouth...that is unless you have a do not resuscitate preference as I do.
I had a heart attack awhile back...opted for no surgery or stints....if I don't wake up that's fine with me...but that's me. I keep on trekking and chasing the frisbee
I don't mean to sound heroic or daredevilish.....that's just me..I want to die in my sleep...tonite would be fine...kids are fine...no debts...wife is self sufficient with no money worries
But until that happens I keep looking to see what's on the other side of the ??? I love the road
5
Hi,OK OP, listen. I had a heart attack on a climb in NZ few years back. Apparently it could have happened at any time for a number of years. Had Boxed, played Rugby and done Tug of War for years and did not know I had a problem. Do I have one? Ok now take measures to keep the old ticker from degenerating. I climbed to 7.400 mtrs with this "problem" , with a big pack, I scuba with this "problem" Bike with this "problem" and many other things. The only problem I have is the damn insurance companies ripping me off. I am now actually less of a risk than before diagnosis. Get on with it, do not miss out. And you can use pills for altitude sickness, my GP confirmed. By the way a good deal older than you are. Go for it.
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all the responses are fine and like you say carry on and be adaptable. It is with this in mind that what I was really asking for were low level trek suggestions or treks where I could easily shorten or withdraw from by hiring jeep getting a bus etc etc . specific treks you feel suitable , I have no intention of attempting 5400m passes or indeed going above say 3500m and can easily just turn back if the going too tough thanks in anticipationchrris p
7
It is with this in mind that what I was really asking for were low level trek suggestions ortreks where I could easily shorten or withdraw from by hiring jeep getting a bus etc etc.
You'll probably find a larger knowledge pool for the region/activity you are asking about
over on the Trekking & Mountaineering Branch. Just focus on the low level trek aspect,
as the angina details are too much information and distracting.
8
It's quite possible, but you need to find a good trekking agency to work with you. I have used two different agencies and both made my trip possible. You should get a porter so you needn't carry your pack. You might consider flying from Pokara to Jomson and doing the parts of the Annapurna trek from there. It is also possible to horseback ride segments if that appeals. I suggest you go to Trekinfo.com where regulars will give you some excellent advice. Also, get evacuation insurance.9
I walked with http://www.fujiyamatreks.com/ - I have rubbish knees, as well as puffing on the hills. My guide walked as slowly as I needed to - and we took a jeep to bypass a 4-hour climb up steps. If you talk to them (they have an office in Pokhara and maybe one in Kathmandu), explain the issues, I'm sure they'll help. I know one of the guides was exploring shorter treks around Pokhara the other week - so they may have even more alternatives than when I was there.Then maybe to a national park to recover? Chitwan if you haven't much time, or down to Bardia, which is remote and wonderful.
11
I have a leaking heart valve, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and pre diabetes.I travel and hike at least 3 months per year, my consultant advised me to use a heart monitor which I do when doing exercise.
If my rate goes too high I stop, I'm alright walking on the level put hills are not good for me.
Life doesn't end when you have heart disease you just have to get the best advice possible from your heart consultant and live your life withing these restrictions.
Jean
