psvt/pulmonary hypertension finding

[Mascalzone]

I have had self limited episodes of PSVT since I was a teenager over 30y ago.  Coinciding with peri-menopausal symptoms at age 48, the PSVT became a bit more problematic.  Recently, after 2 days of unrelenting on/off PSVT, I went to the ER for workup and treatment.  I was started on Verapamil, which has abolished the PSVT.  I also had an echocardiogram, which showed a high pulmonary arterial pressure of 42mmHg.  I have been a figure skater for the last 10+ years, logging several thousand hours of vigorous training at 8000 feet elevation.  I live and work at 5500 feet.  I am assuming that this high altitude skating has raised my pulmonary arterial pressure.  I still train and generally feel well.  Am I inflicting damage on my body by continuing to do this?  Another factor that I think influenced findings on the echo is that I briskly walked 8-9 blocks uphill to the test.  Also I was still having intermittent PSVT during the echo.  Any information/insight would be appreciated.

[Mascalzone]

Thank you for your input!  

[dolfnlvr]

Ah yes, the "can't wait for the results" peek. :-)  They always get us into trouble don't they?  Almost every time they cause us to come up with more questions then answers, and, since there's no doctor around usually....it's a waiting game to get those answers.  

High altitude can definitely affect your PAP.  Usually, however, your body adjusts to being at high altitude and your BP/HR etc. level off.  You say that you walked UPHILL several blocks to get to the appointment, which indicates that you were at 5,500feet PLUS 9 blocks :-)  That would not be a normal indicator for increased PAP.  If you had traveled well below 5500 feet for the testing the high BP would almost be expected, as blood gas volumes would be readjusting.

I'm not sure what your results mean.  Obviously, I'm not your doctor, and soon you will know what's what.  If you intend to continue working out, but are afraid of what this may mean to you, you should call your doctor's office and ask if that would be alright.  

Having dealt with PSVT for so long, you know the drill.  Don't worry until the doc says worry.  Till then, do what you do and enjoy every day!!!!

Take care,

[Mascalzone]

I walked to my echo appointment, and the test was done maybe 15 minutes after I arrived.  I haven't yet discussed the findings with my doctor (was able to peek at my report independently), so have not been recommended for reevaluation.

[dolfnlvr]

How long after walking 8-9 blocks uphill was your pressure taken?  Have you had it re-evaluated after rest?