Advice about heart conditions and altitude

[Janet]

Just putting here the following info that I've updated on my website following the death of a 62-year-old British man from a heart attack in the Teide National Park.

Teide is a staggering 3,718m high, making it the highest point in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world. The caldera, and indeed the national park generally, has an average altitude of over 2,000m. Please note that atmospheric changes start at an altitude of around 2,500m. This can cause altitude sickness, but more specifically, can cause problems for those suffering heart and lung conditions, who can also begin to suffer repercussions at lower altitudes. Such people are advised not to go above the level of the caldera, and so should not go up in the cable car, nor to try to ascend the peak of Teide itself. Those with severe heart or lung conditions would be well advised not actually to go even as high as the caldera itself.

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

He must have had heart disease; no healthy person would have had a heart attack at only 2000m.  We also don't know if his condition may have been exacerbated by holiday behaviour, i.e., overindulging. 

Poor guy. 

[Janet]

yes, but the general medical advice is issued here ... just not widely enough, everyone is saying.

[Michael]

I was warned about this years ago. Probably by you Janet. 

Someone told me that there are warning signs at the cable car?

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

There are Michael, all over the place.  Certainly before you step onto the cable car.  I can't remember; have you been up?

[Michael]

There are Michael, all over the place.  Certainly before you step onto the cable car.  I can't remember; have you been up?

No. My heart condition prohibits it and that annoys me more than just a bit. 

Mind you, I mean to have a chat with my GP about it while i'm here.

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Do; it is worth your while.   The first time I went up, 20 years ago as a very fit runner, I got dizzier than you can believe.  Every time I have been up since, no problems.  You met a DR friend a few months back; he had to get down as soon as poz as he's not very fit and felt it. It is not one-size-fits-all.  Would be great if we could go up!!