What can a person with heart disease take to help them breath better when going to higher elevation?

My father is from Miami, and had problems breathing when coming to see me in southern New Mexico at about 3000 ft. he almost passed out after coming off the plane, but was fine after a few min. of getting used to it. then when we went up into the mountains about 7000 ft. he pretty much just hung out at the cabin because when he tryed to go out side in the snow with everybody he couldnt make it up the steps without running out of breath. Now this leaves me with a problem since I want to move to Colorado Springs which I know is higher than Roswell (where he had trouble at first) so is there something he can take to help out with the lack of oxygen? or are we just going to have to fly to Miami twice a year?

Depending on the nature of the heart disease, he should be exercising regularly to make it stronger. If he is persistent, radically changes his diet, and works at it he can feel a lot better, possibly even tolerate the altitude.

But the cold also raises blood pressure.

Higher altitudes have less oxygen, making a bad situation worse. He's out of breath because his heart is weak, and he has blockages, then the air is thinner and there is less oxygen.

This could also provide additional information to his doctors. I had no severe problems until I had a vacation at 2,500 feet. I got severe angina very easily there, walking very short hilly streets. When I got home, doctors did an angiogram, found almost totally blocked arteries, and did emergency bypass surgery the following day. They were surprised I made it home and was able to walk into the ER. I can now work pretty hard on my treadmill or rowing machine for over an hour.

But no test at elevation yet.

I'm not a doctor, but I get altitude sickness and my husband has heart disease, so I know a little. Your Dad shouldn't go to high altitudes with heart disease at all. It's too much of a strain and his heart is already at risk. It takes 3-5 days for me to acclimate to high altitude and I'm in great shape. It's a lot of strain for him to see you and it is serioius. I suggest that he go to a doctor for possible solutions and to ask whether or not he should put himself through this (although there isn't a cure for altitude sickness other than getting to a lower level and/or acclimating). If he lived at high altitude, that would be different, he'd adjust and stay that way, but it's a strain going from low to high. If he were my pop, I'd just go visit him and stop letting him put himself through the wringer for me. Best wishes on your move.

He should avoid higher elevations. They can be very stressful for healthy persons and your dad is definately not healthy.

At the very least, your Dad should ask his doctor about having an oxygen tank when he travels, and should only travel if he MUST.

Be kind to your dad, and travel to him instead. You might just save his life.

Remember that sitting in an airplane or car can contribute to clots that cause strokes and heart attacks and your dad already has several strikes against him.