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03/12/2004: "Tourists: Beware high altitude"

Colorado's high-country altitudes are hard on tourists' hearts, killing a disproportionate number of visitors in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s with undetected cardiac conditions, several coroners say.

"People come here from low altitudes with undiagnosed heart problems - descending coronary arteries or valve problems. The altitude causes more stress on the heart," said Joanne Richardson, coroner for Summit County, home to Keystone, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain ski resorts. Full Story