Travelling with a Heart Condition

It is the holiday season once again, and many heart patients are concerned about whether they can travel or where they can go. Before you go ahead and book that air ticket, do consult your heart specialist and heed the advice accordingly. Here are 3 tips to help you better prepare for your trip:

• Before the trip, remember to get enough medication, with a buffer of a few days, to cover any delays. Also, keep a reasonable supply of medication in your hand luggage, to reduce the chances of losing them.
• If you are travelling to a hot country, always remember to stay hydrated and try to stay indoors, especially from 11am – 3pm, when the sun is the strongest. If you are heading outdoors, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
• If you’ve recently recovered from a heart attack or heart surgery, avoid trekking to high altitudes, as lesser oxygen in the air can cause extreme breathlessness or angina. Try sticking to destinations that are lower than 2,000 metres and always walk at your own pace.

For more commonly asked questions, visit www.bhf.org.uk.