Travel is something that everybody should be capable to experience. Whether you are planning a soothing vacation in the sun or a fun city break, there’s something extremely thrilling and liberating about having the ability to escape the everyday and explore a new place, not to mention the anticipation of going on a trip to see being passed on to.
Having a pre-existing heart condition does not imply you cannot spend time overseas. In fact, some free time to rest and focus on yourself can do you a world of good. With that in mind, we have rounded up some of the best tips you should take into account before traveling overseas with a heart condition.
#1. Talk to Your Doctor First:
While traveling and enjoying a soothing vacation can be great for your health, it is vital to get permission from your doctor before you book any time away. If you have recently been diagnosed with heart disease, have had a heart attack, or have had heart surgery, it’s advisable to postpone any travel plans until you feel more confident about doing so, and if your doctor is happy for you to go on the trip. Talk to your doctor – they will be better able to determine whether or not you are stable enough to go and provide you with valuable advice about what types of activities you should safely take part in while you’re away.
#2. Choose the Right Destination:
Your choice of destination is particularly important if you plan to travel with a pre-existing heart condition. For example, some climates, particularly those that are very warm or very cold, have the potential to put additional stress on your heart and make your condition worse. High altitude can even have a detrimental effect. Before you order anything, talk to your doctor about potential destination ideas, as they will be capable to best advise you on which ones to avoid for the sake of your health.
#3. Plan in Advance:
Last minute trips may not be the best idea if you plan on traveling with a pre-existing heart condition. It is all the time better to be well prepared beforehand to help you avoid unnecessary stress that can affect your health. The NHS recommends those with pre-existing heart conditions plan their trip at least the next four to six weeks; this will provide you with plenty of time to organize your travel plans, collect any medicines you need to take with you, and shop for the best travel insurance to cover your heart condition. Making sure that everything is prepared ahead of time will make your vacation more relaxing and stress-free.
#4. Get Travel Insurance:
Wherever or anytime you decide to go on vacation, you certainly need travel insurance that guarantees your heart condition. Getting treatment for heart disease while you’re overseas can be very expensive, particularly if you need emergency treatment. Knowing that your heart condition is covered for potential medical costs and that your travel insurance will be capable to seek and cover high-quality look after you is critical to your trip. Keep in mind that many standard travel insurance policies will refuse to cover people with pre-existing heart conditions, so it is best to find a specialist travel insurance options for existing medical conditions.
#5. Extra Help Options:
If you plan to travel by air, the excellent news is that the majority of individuals with pre-existing heart disease can travel by air without any problems. However, remember that additional support is available if you feel you need it during your trip. Therefore, remember that if your condition is very harsh or unpredictable, it is suggested that you postpone air travel until your doctor confirms that you have improved and offers you permission. If your doctor is happy for you to fly, the next step is to talk to your airline arrange any help what you might need. For example, you can get support with baggage, precedence boarding at the gate, and/or oxygen supply while you’re in the air. If you need to take any medicine into the cabin, it is vital to obtain a medical note from your doctor beforehand, particularly if your medicine is in liquid form and is over 100ml.
#6. Things to Remember at the Airport:
There are several things you can do to make your trip more comfy and versatile. Wearing a compression garment in-flight can make you more comfy by keeping blood circulating in your veins when you sit still for long periods of time. If you have a pacemaker or implanted cardioverter defibrillator, notify airport security staff to avoid any security issues.
