Traveling with a Heart Condition: Staying Safe This Summer

If you’re about to go traveling to some far-flung destination, then you might be understandably a little concerned about how your heart will hold up while you’re away. After all, if you’ve got a heart condition, it’s intimidating to be so far from your medical practitioner, and you may be worried how the heat and unfamiliar surroundings will affect you.

Here’s some tips to help you enjoy a healthy, happy vacation.

How to Have a Heart-Healthy Vacation

1) Identify the local medical center. Before you get on the plane, take the time to look online and find out where your nearest medical center is while you’re away. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to use their services, but it’s good to know where they are, just in case.

2) Stock up on medication. If you’re going away for an extended period of time and you take regular medication, make sure that you’ve got enough to last you for your entire vacation. Remember that you may need a doctor’s prescription to carry it in your luggage, so check before you leave.

3) Stay safe on the plane. If you’re traveling somewhere exotic, you may be on the plane for several hours, which leaves you at a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. Ask for an aisle seat, so you can regularly stretch your legs, and get up and walk around at regular intervals to help boost your circulation. You may also want to invest in some DVT stockings before you go.

4) Sodium intake. If you’re at a higher risk of heart failure, it’s really important to monitor your sodium intake, particularly in hot climates, where you may become dehydrated and unable to effectively flush the sodium from your body.

5) High altitude awareness. If you’re visiting somewhere at high altitude, remember that the thinner air automatically makes your heart work harder. If you experience light-headedness, dizziness or shortness of breath at all, let someone know as soon as possible, rest and move to normal altitude as soon as possible.

Check Your Heart Health Before You Go

For additional peace of mind, book an appointment with your local cardiovascular clinic, who will be able to assess your current levels of health and offer practical advice on how to stay safe while traveling. To arrange an appointment at Cardiovascular Solutions Institute, simply call 941 747 8789 today.