Can people with Raynaud's phenomenon travel to high altitude?

Abstract Objective.—To determine whether high altitude travel adversely affects mountain enthusiasts with Raynaud's phenomenon. Methods.—Volunteers with Raynaud's phenomenonwere recruited using announcements disseminated by organizations dedicated to climbing or wildernesstravel and Internet discussion boards dedicated to mountain activities to complete an online, anonymous survey. Survey questions addressed demographic variables, aspects of their Raynaud's phenomenon, and features of their mountain activities. Respondents compared experiences with Raynaud's phenomenonbetween high (>2440 m; 8000 feet) and low elevations and rated agreement with statements concerning their disease and the effects of high altitude. Results.—One hundred forty-two people, 98% of whom had primary Raynaud's phenomenon, completed the questionnaire. Respondents spent 5 to 7 days per month at elevations above 2440 m and engaged in 5.4 ± 2.0 different activities. Eighty-nine percent of respondents engaged in winter sports and on...