If you’re traveling to the slopes for skiing, remember to take care of your health. First off, traveling to high altitudes can put stress on your heart. The air is thinner at high altitudes which means that the lungs get less oxygen and the heart has to work harder so that oxygen-rich blood can travel to the rest of the body.
Do you experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or syncope (fainting) in higher altitudes? Are you a heart patient and is the altitude making your diagnosis worse? Ask your doctor before traveling to high altitudes if you have severe heart conditions e.g. severe heart failure or uncontrolled very high blood pressure, or if you are recovering from a heart attack or stent procedure.
If you aren’t physically active, starting at the slopes or at high altitudes is not the time to make your debut. Work your way into greater physical activity before you travel to the slopes. And it’s always a good idea to review your medications before you travel.