[Toleration of high altitudes by patients with heart and pulmonary diseases].
The decisive limiting parameter in such patients is the lower oxygen partial pressure in inhaled air. It is, however, still possible for patients with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure or bronchial asthma to tolerate high altitudes without having to experience health problems. Prerequisites, however, are adequate acclimatization, optimal medication and pre-travel stable status. In addition, patients must be informed about emergency measures and how to recognize high-altitude sickness. To prevent pneumothorax leading to rapid decompression during flights, particular attention must be addressed to the problem of trapped air in patients with emphysema or cystic fibrosis.
Fischer
R
R
Abt. für Pneumologie, Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, LMU München. rfischer@medinn.med.unimuenchen.de
D000064:Acclimatization; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000150:complications; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000150:complications; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications