BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys,
I've been planning the climb for two years now, and have recently been getting arrhythmias from time to time, esp after workouts. I can get on the stair stepper for an hour and I'm fine, I am very physically fit. I am just worried about the altitude and if it may become a dangerous arrhythmia on the mountain. I also have an appointment with a cardiologist before I leave. I've had a million EKGs, a stress echo, a tilt table and other tests run that it didn't show up on. Has anyone climbed that had pre-existing arrhythmias or does anyone have any advice for me?
Thanks!

Hi,
Have you had a 24 hour 'tape'?
It gives them a better idea of how many arrythmias and type that you're having?

I have worn a 24 hour holter monitor, as well as used an event monitor for 30 days (where I push a button when I feel something and it records the last 30 sec of heart activity). These were during the summer, and I wasn't working out as much. Nothing abnormal was found or recorded. It's so hard to catch an arrhythmia because when it happens, by the time I get to the doctor it has already passed

Hi,
I am not a doctor, just someone who also suffers from arrythmias/palpitations/ectopic heartbeats whatever you wish to call them.
Mine are definitely worse when I over exercise, am stressed or drink too much alcohol/coffee.
I have had same tests but have been told you would need to suffer from significantly more than I am before they would be taken seriously!
I have to say, that my heart rhythm is normal, I don't have atrial fibrillation or svt just these odd ones which can feel like you're 'missing a beat'or a bit of a thud in the chest. Is it the same for you?
If you're seeing a cardiologist before you go and he gives you the okay, then I'm sure you'll be fine!

Yes, it's the same for me. Thanks so much for replying Cherokee!
Have you climbed above 15,000 ft/noticed any symptoms before? I've spoken with someone else who gets palpitations after working out, and he said he has climbed above 19,000 ft and been fine. So that gives me some hope!

Sorry SparkyDoc but I haven't climbed over 15,000 before, in fact I haven't done any climbing for some years now, although I would like to do a charity trek to Kilimanjaro some time within the next couple of years.
You say that they've done exhaustive tests on you which would have picked up anything significant I'm sure, also you're seeing a Cardiologist who will certainly not give you the all clear unless he/she is absolutely sure you're fit enough to do such a strenuous climb!
Are you doing any altitude training in preparation because this should give you an idea if your symptoms are likely to get worse?

Yes, I have been doing either the treadmill on the highest incline (speed walking) or the stairmaster for an hour. I've always worked out about 5 days a week, strength trained for about 2-3 times a week. I get these palpitations every now and then after the workouts. The other day after doing an hour on the stairs I got the palps for about 30 min after, but then other times I don't get them. So they are pretty unpredictable.