Can changes in altitude contribute or intensity factor 5 Leiden?

Posted by bigk2u @bigk2u, Sep 26 1:43pm

at 65 yrs old i had a kidney stone surgery and developed a painful blood clot(s) within 10 days of the surgery...i was put on Eliquis for 6 months and then taken off...from sea level all my life, at 67 i acquired an apt. in nairobi kenya 6000+ ft above sea level and take a couple of 6 week trips per annum....at 69 i developed more hurtful clots while in Nairobi.....and back in the states was informed of my FVL....does the dramatic change in altitude contribute/intensify my condition??

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cad43 | @cad43 | Sep 27 8:58am

I’m surprised you were take off Eliquis if you had blood cloths and Fac5Leiden Clotting gene. I had an extensive blood clot, and have the gene and my hematologist told me that I had to take it the rest of my life. I have no idea how higher altitude would affect that, but I don’t understand why you were taken off of the Eliquis, since you have the Fac5leiden gene. I think maybe a second opinion might be a good idea. Good luck.

bigk2u | @bigk2u | Sep 27 9:16am

In reply to @cad43 "I’m surprised you were take off Eliquis if you had blood cloths and Fac5Leiden Clotting gene...." + (show)

@cad43 .. thx for the interest.. I was taken off the Eliquis before. It was determined that I had FVL… I was told that at elevation, the blood thickens… And providing i keep with the Eliquis as well as compression socks will elevation have a negative effect during my next 8 week trip ??

bigk2u | @bigk2u | Sep 27 9:20am

Also, as you are on Eliquis, do you also wear compression socks?… I was told I have clots in both legs… However, I’ve not been getting the same answers from different local doctors…

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Sep 27 10:11am

In reply to @bigk2u "@cad43 .. thx for the interest.. I was taken off the Eliquis before. It was determined..." + (show)

@bigk2u This article contains more than you probably ever want to know about high altitudes and the effect on blood cells...but it's really interesting. 😉

From Biology Insights:
https://biologyinsights.com/how-does-high-altitude-affect-your-blood/
Blood does thicken in higher elevations. But you are already taking Eliquis which is a blood thinner. For your situation, the key take away, at least from what I read, is that short term for your 8 week trip the higher altitude shouldn't make too much of a difference. As you planned, remain on the Eliquis to avoid clotting. Just make sure to stay well hydrated to keep the plasma portion of your blood more liquid and wear your compression socks. On long car or on a plane trips pump your calves by flexing your feet. Also, it can be helpful to walk around 250 steps every hour just to keep the blood moving. A couple times daily, elevate your legs over your heart (lie on a sofa with legs swung up onto the back). (I have varicose veins so these are all the suggestions I've received).

But certainly, since you have a history of clots, if you feel any of the usual symptoms in your legs, or if you have difficulty breathing, chest pains or cough, seek medical attention.

Have a great trip! It sounds like a fabulous experience! Have you returned to Nairobi since you've been taking Eliquis?

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