Planning a holiday when you’re living with a heart condition can feel like a juggling act. Between sorting your medication and wondering what might happen if you’re unwell abroad, it’s no wonder there’s a bit of hesitation.
Here are my key considerations for travellers with heart conditions.
Q. What are the most important things travellers with heart conditions should be aware of when planning a trip?
You should ensure your heart condition is well controlled, stable and that you feel good before you consider booking a trip. Consider destination wisely. Higher altitudes can cause higher oxygen requirements, which may be risky for patients with heart conditions. Extreme temperatures can also be detrimental to heart conditions. Extreme terrains or hiking or strenuous holidays might not be wise if you have a significant heart condition.
Choose destinations with decent medical infrastructure in case of emergencies. There are some heart conditions that do not allow you to fly such as for a fortnight after a coronary artery bypass graft operation or up to two weeks after a transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Check with your cardiologist. Oxygen levels are lower in the cabin at high altitude than on the ground, check with your cardiologist if you need supplemental oxygen on board. Get insurance and the right one. Get the GHIC card which allows UK citizens to get subsidies care in partner countries.
Q. Are there any specific preparations travellers with heart conditions should make before travelling (e.g., medications, medical clearance)?
Consult with your GP or your cardiologist to get a check up and clearance if necessary especially before long trips. Use this opportunity to have a medication review and ask about special considerations such as holidays at higher altitude. Carry medical records or a summary of it along with a list of all medications prescribed. Pack more medicines than needed for the trip, in case of delays or lost medications. Keep all medication in hand luggage.
If you have a pacemaker or ICD, take your device identification card and ask for hand search and the device they use should not be placed directly over your implanted device.
Q. What are your top tips for flying or taking long journeys with a heart condition?
- Notify the airline if you have special requirements, like needing assistance with mobility or on board oxygen. There will be forms specific to each airline that you will need to fill and sometimes these require a doctor’s sign off too.
- Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and ensuring you move frequently and do calf exercises such as wiggling your feet to ensure you avoid a DVT. Consider flight socks.
- If you are on fluid restriction, check with your cardiologist how much you can drink in flight
Q. How can travellers manage symptoms or avoid potential issues related to their heart condition while on holiday?
- Plan a stress free holiday, plan you route to the hotel after arrival at destination, avoid heavy luggage and use assistance where possible
- Make a note of the emergency contact numbers and local hospitals on arrival
- Take details of your condition, your GP and cardiologist and any family emergency contact numbers
- Take all you medicines as usual on the day of travel then 12 hours later repeat when in new time zone
- Know what symptoms you may experience should your heart condition deteriorate and seek immediate help. Do not ignore chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or shortness of breath.
- Avoid high altitude holidays, avoid extreme weather holidays and avoid excessively active holidays.
- Ensure your travel vaccinations are up to date
- Plan well ahead and get all medications, vaccinations, just in case antibiotics and medical clearance in order
