Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board advice/anyone with heart problem, stents ?

okay, haven't been here for a while, but can still dream and make goals. I've done this mountain 5 times, 2 via the Mountaineer's Route, and after knee problems, and then a heart attack and 2 stents in September, was dreaming of another try. Then, another hospital visit, ugh. I am hoping for advice, etc., from people who have had heart problems, stents. I'm back on the trail, but damn, time goes fast and need to up my mileage slowly. Any advice from hikers who have been through this would be appreciated...

Have you done a stress test recently?

On an optimistic note, I know of a member of this Message Board who has ascended Mt Whitney dozens of times after cardiac bypass surgery.

However.....

Since your heart is such high priced real estate, it might be wise to rely on the advice of an expert cardiac consultant who understands the demands of endurance activity at 14,000 ft. Perhaps then get a second cardiology opinion to be absolutely sure nothing is being missed concerning your particular situation.

Based on your history, physical exam, and test results a cardiologist might be able to stratify your cardiac risk while engaging in various activities. His risk assessment would be based on the mining of data from thousands of patients. Then you would select your activities based on your risk tolerance.

Beware of anecdotal accounts on the Internet (like mine above starting this post). The sample size will be small and there will be selection bias. For example, those who did not survive cardiac events on Mt Whitney will no longer be able to share their experiences on this Message Board.

Yury asks a key question. A controlled stress test in the Cardiology Department can give valuable information for risk stratification and possible pre-hike interventions/optimization. If you crash during the stress test, the staffed Cath Lab and OR will be across the hall waiting for you. If you allow Mt Whitney to be your only stress test and you crash, well, good luck.

Hope you are careful and are able to continue training so you can make it up the Mountain in 2018!

Jim