Top Tips for Travelling With a Heart Condition

There are hundreds of conditions that can affect your heart. Around 7.4 million people in the UK are living with conditions that have an impact on their heart and circulation – so-called cardiovascular disease or CVD. They are surprisingly common – in fact, twice as many people are living with CVD than Alzheimer's and cancer combined, and they account for over one in four deaths in the UK. What's more, they don't only affect older people - about 44,000 under 75's die from CVDs every year.

The good news is that with better treatments (including preventive treatments like blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications) death rates from heart conditions have dropped by more than ¾ in the last 60 years. But while part of this dramatic improvement has been down to fewer people having heart attacks, strokes etc, part of it is down to better treatment, which means more people survive. That in turn means more people than ever are living with heart conditions and wanting to get on with their lives – including spending time with their loved ones and going on holiday.

The most common heart conditions in the UK include heart attack, angina, atrial fibrillation (the most common abnormal heart rhythm in the UK, affecting about one million people) and heart failure (where your heart can't pump blood as efficiently as it should around your body).

Having a heart condition certainly should not stop you from enjoying a holiday, but you should plan in advance, to reduce the risk of running into problems. Here are my top tips for a happy, healthy holiday.

What Type of Holiday Should I Choose?

If you're planning to travel anywhere you haven't visited since your diagnosis, or if your medical condition has changed in any way, it's crucial to contact your GP or specialist team ahead of time. This will ensure that they are comfortable with your travel plans and that you’re fit to travel. It's essential to have an open line of communication with your healthcare providers, as they can offer personalised advice based on your health status.

The type of holiday you choose should also take into account how recently you were diagnosed and treated. For example, if you've recently experienced a heart attack or undergone heart surgery, you should always wait until you've received the all-clear from your medical team before embarking on any travel. This precaution helps minimise risks and ensures that you can fully enjoy your trip without compromising your health. Remember, planning ahead and prioritising your well-being can lead to a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

What Climate is Best?

Extremely hot or very cold temperatures can put an extra strain on your heart, which can be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as angina or heart failure. These extreme temperatures can affect how well your heart pumps blood and may lead to complications if not managed properly. Therefore, it's highly advisable to have a conversation with your specialist team, especially if you are receiving regular follow-ups from the hospital. They can provide tailored advice and help assess any potential risks before you make travel plans or engage in activities that might expose you to these conditions.

Additionally, it's important to think carefully about high altitudes before embarking on any mountainous adventures. The higher you ascend, particularly if you go beyond 2,000 meters (about 6,561 feet) above sea level, the air becomes 'thinner.' This means that the availability of oxygen decreases significantly, which can pose a challenge for your body.

Your body relies on a sufficient supply of oxygen, which is inhaled through your lungs, absorbed into your bloodstream, and circulated throughout your body to sustain vital functions. Insufficient oxygen can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and light-headedness, which can be alarming. If you already have underlying issues with your heart or circulation, you may find yourself more susceptible to these symptoms at higher altitudes. Therefore, acclimatisation and careful monitoring of your physical condition are crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in such environments.

Relaxing or Stimulating?

Physical activity is a crucial part of recovering from heart and circulation problems, including serious events like heart attacks or strokes. Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can significantly aid in rehabilitation, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being. However, it's important to be mindful that very vigorous exercise, especially in extreme temperatures or unfamiliar environments, can place additional stress on your heart.

The last thing you want during a well-deserved holiday is to find yourself in a hospital due to your heart not being able to cope with the strain. Therefore, it's essential to plan your vacation thoughtfully. Avoid activities that are more vigorous than what you've been able to manage in the UK since your condition was diagnosed. Instead, opt for relaxing pastimes and gentle exercise that allow you to enjoy your trip without jeopardising your health.

My Top Tips for Travelling

Have you had a heart attack? My top tips on travelling after a heart attack tells you all you need to know about how soon you should travel, what precautions you should take and what you should look out for.

1. If you have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), make sure to carry your device identification card to the airport. It's advisable to check with your travel provider to see if you need to notify them in advance, but always inform the airport staff upon arrival. While recent studies indicate that it is generally safe to pass through airport security scanners with a pacemaker or ICD, you can request a manual search instead. Security personnel should be informed that a hand-held metal detector must not be placed directly over your device.
   
   
2. Keep your medication with you in your hand luggage, and ideally split it with someone else you're travelling with just in case your hand luggage goes astray. Do make sure you know the rules about what medication can go in your hand luggage, whether the country you're visiting has restrictions on certain medicines etc.
   
   READ MORE: Taking Medications on Holiday
   
   
3. Request a repeat prescription well in advance so you have enough medicine to last your whole holiday and a week or two extra and take a list of your medicines or a letter from your doctor (you'll definitely need a letter if you're taking liquids or creams over 100ml etc).
   
   
4. You must also book the right travel insurance ahead of travel. Most heart conditions and other pre-existing medical conditions need to be declared in advance, to prevent your insurance from being invalidated if you have a problem.
   
   READ MORE: What Medical Conditions do I Need to Declare?
   
   
5. If you have angina and use a GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) spray, you can safely use this on the plane if you need to.
   
   
6. It's perfectly safe to travel if you have high blood pressure, as long as it's controlled with medication.
   
   
7. For most people with heart failure, the slightly lower oxygen levels in an aircraft shouldn't lead to breathlessness. However, if your symptoms aren't controlled or have recently worsened, you shouldn't travel without an okay from your doctor. They may recommend delaying your trip or using oxygen on board (this needs to be arranged well in advance with your airlines).
   
   
8. If you need a wheelchair or other assistance at the airport, contact your airline or travel agent well in advance to arrange this. It's important to be clear about what support you need: transfer from the car park or bus stop to the terminal, a wheelchair to the gate, help at security gates or getting onto the plane or a specific seat on the aircraft.
   
   
9. On the day you travel, leave plenty of time to get to the airport so you're not stressed. Use a suitcase on wheels to avoid heavy lifting.
   
   READ MORE: Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Check-in

In conclusion, travelling after a heart condition can be a rewarding experience with the right preparations and precautions in place. Being mindful of your health, understanding your limitations, and taking necessary steps to ensure safety can make your journey enjoyable and stress-free.

Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway or an adventurous outing, prioritising your well-being should always come first. Remember to consult with your medical team, follow your personal guidelines, and embrace the opportunity to explore and create lasting memories, all while keeping your health at the forefront of your travel plans.