Does going up to high altitude frequently risk a dissection?

Posted by crazybernie @crazybernie, Jun 5 9:01am

I go up into the mountains weekly and it’s a 6000 foot difference in altitude. I’m wondering if my 4.6 and growing AAA is at risk of dissecting or is it more likely to grow faster than it would if I wasn’t subjecting it to the altitude difference. I don’t want to be the guy who’s laser focused on my BP but unknowingly is a ticking time bomb for another reason.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

ctflyr | @ctflyr | Jun 6 7:33am

Hello.....I guess it would partly depend on how long you've been doing it. Over the course of many years, your body may have adapted. If this is a recent pastime you've taken up, it may have some effect, especially if you find it strenuous. Any activity which puts excessive stress on your heart and lungs will have an effect over time, and possibly enhance chances for dissection or rupture. As an example, I've been "at altitude" for many years, but my aneurysm, discovered 8 years ago, has stayed relatively "stable", and has only grown at the expected rate for a man my age.

beebo | @beebo | Jun 6 11:54pm

I live in a city that is about that height, so It’s full time for me.
Have had no change in size since being diagnosed 5 years ago.
Blood Pressure is what you need to keep an eye on.

upartist | @upartist | Jun 7 7:07am

Hi CrazyBernie. Your question about hiking at altitudes is a good one! 4.6 is past that threshold of (4.5), especially if your aneurysm is showing growth. Have you had genetic testing? Some of the identified genes associate predispositions to aneurysmal growth. Pressure fluctuations are a known risk factor. Dr Dianna Milewicz is a genetic aortic disease researcher in Houston, and I think still sits the John Ritter board. The John Ritter Foundation has a lot of good information out there to consider. With this said, I have had challenges finding information specific to altitude. I personally have grounded myself from all flying, and do not hike to elevations anymore. I go hypoxic (to the low 80's) on planes. I live and hike at a steady 600 feet elevation without issues. So if there is reliable information out there regarding this altitude question, I will be watching this discussion. I would like to fly again, but the risks of the air pressure changes with hypoxia are too high for me at this time.
The best to you Crazy Bernie and anyone else with this concern! (Heart)

Please sign in or register to post a reply.