The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC
Q: I would like to travel to Ecuador but am concerned about my safety as I had a heart attack in 2000. I am 63 years old, I take my medication daily and I exercise 3 times a week. I know altitude can be a problem - is it safe for me to travel to Ecuador?
Vickie
A: Dear Vicki, There are many travellers in their 60s and 70s who want to travel to places where altitude is a problem, and cardiac disease can be affected by heights above 2500m. Much of Ecuador is at heights around 2200-3500m, so people with known heart disease should be careful in selecting their itinerary, and ensure that their health is stable. You should have a thorough review by the treating specialist before going in order to know that you are well, stable, and able to tolerate the mildly oxygen-deficient conditions. In heart-disease travellers, who have no symptoms, are well controlled and have reasonable exercise tolerance, they mostly have no problems on well planned itineraries that allow rest and a gentle pace. Get a letter from your specialist indicating your overall health, and then visit our clinic for the appropriate vaccines, and medical kit.
Dr Sonny
Disclaimer: Information provided in this health column is of a general nature & should not replace specific advice from your own personal Travel doctor-TMVC consultation.
Not all questions submitted to the website will be answered & Users of this website should always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions they have regarding their health or a medical condition.
