A Primer For Traveling When Youve Got A Heart Condition

When you have a heart condition, there are a few things that you probably do not want to do anymore. However, traveling is not one of them. There is no reason why you cannot travel as long as you take some precautions. If you want to go on a trip, especially one that involves air travel, you will want to visit with your doctor to check what steps you should take in order to ensure that you maintain your health and not make your heart condition any worse. Therefore, here is a basic primer for traveling when you have got a heart condition:

Traveling no-no's for heart patients

If you have experienced a heart attack within the last two to three weeks, you need to stay home. That is not enough time for your condition to have stabilized, especially for air travel. Bypass surgery on your coronary arteries are also another reason not to travel, especially if it was within the past month or so. And if there were complications, you have a longer wait before getting the green light to travel. If you have an angina condition that won't stabilize or your arrhythmias cannot be controlled, these are even more reasons to stick close to home.

Preparations for travel

First of all, it is important to note that there is no proof that traveling by air will interfere with your implanted defibrillator or pacemaker. Of course, you will want your doctor to check these to ensure that all is working properly. In addition, talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have about traveling and ensure that your heart condition is stable.

The rule of thumb for anyone with an illness is to carry twice the amount of medication you need. Keep your prescribed doses for the trip in your carry-on bags and the extras in your luggage. That way you are covered if one of them is misplaced or lost. Be sure to carry a note on letterhead from your doctor outlining all of your medications as well as pertinent health history. Sometimes, security officials will question you on your medications.

Carry your medical history with you along with emergency phone numbers. These days, you can put your medical history on special little USB flash drives that you can attach on your key ring. If you are planning a long trip, be sure to wear compression stockings. These help with circulation when on airplanes and even train and car travel where you expect to be sitting for long periods of time. In addition, stay well hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Some medical experts say that if you have a heart condition and you can still climb a flight of stairs or go on a walk and not feel too winded, then you should have no problems with traveling. Parts of preparing for your trip when you have a heart condition means that you do all you can until you feel comfortable leaving home. If that means a few redundancies, so be it.

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