A thalium stress test is recommended for participants who have coronary heart disease. Even if the stress test is normal, the results of testing done at lower elevations and without backpacks carried at Philmont do not guarantee safety. If the test results are abnormal, the individual is advised not to participate. The combination of stress and altitude appears to cause significant increase in blood pressure in some individuals attending Philmont. Occasionally hypertension reaches such a level that it is no longer safe to engage in strenuous activity.
Hypertension can increase the risk of having a stroke, developing altitude sickness, or angina.
The goal of treatment should be to lower the blood pressure to normal. It is the experience of the Philmont medical staff that such individuals often develop significant hypertension when they arrive at Philmont. Participants already on hypertensive therapy with normal blood pressures should continue on medications. Diuretic therapy to control hypertension is not recommended because of the risks of dehydration which exist with strenuous activity at high altitude and low humidity. Each participant who is 18 years of age or older will have his or her blood pressure checked at Philmont.