Healthy Heart, Happy Travels

Summer is here and many of us are heading out on well-deserved and long-anticipated vacations. But for people living with health conditions like heart disease or stroke, leaving home can pose special challenges. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can go on your road trip or dream European sojourn ready to enjoy the adventure.

The American Heart Association offers five tips for a heart healthy summer trip:

Check In with Your Healthcare Provider

Speak with your primary care physician or specialist about your travel plans and any special considerations related to your health. They can offer guidance on any restrictions or precautions you should keep in mind. It’s a good idea to carry a list of all medications, including dosages and pharmacy information, in case your medication is lost or forgotten during the journey. Carry a copy of key medical records and a list of phone numbers, such as your doctor and any emergency contacts.

Manage Your Medications

Ensure medications are clearly labeled and that you’ve packed enough to last the entire trip. If you’re traveling across time zones, enlist your healthcare provider to help adjust medication schedules. Some medications should be taken at the same time every day, and if you’re traveling overseas, that schedule is interrupted. Your healthcare provider can help calculate an adjusted schedule for your departure and return to keep you on track. It’s also important to note that some medications may be liquid or require refrigeration; research how to pack them appropriately for airport security and, if needed, make sure you’ll have a refrigerator in your lodging.

Plan for Transportation

Whether you’re traveling by plane, bus, train, cruise ship or other means, it’s paramount to plan ahead for special medical equipment. For example, if you use oxygen, a wheelchair, walker, or other assistance for getting around, you may need to check in with the travel company to find out how to properly transport your devices.

Master the Airport and the Airplane

During this especially busy travel season, thinking ahead can make the airport experience easier. If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, you may need to go through a special security screening. Walking through a crowded terminal can take its toll, so consider requesting a wheelchair or courtesy cart to get to your gate when booking your ticket.

Long flights may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Consider wearing compression socks and walk around the cabin while it’s safe and allowed to help improve your circulation.

Know How to Access Emergency Help

It’s important to know how to access emergency medical services should the need arise during your travels. Most areas of the United States are covered by 911, but if you are in a very remote area or overseas, 911 may not be how to access help. Call ahead to your destination to find out what to do in an emergency.

By taking a little time to plan and prepare before you depart, your vacation can be just what the doctor ordered to help you unwind and recharge. Learn more about heart and brain health at Heart.org.

Contributor Valerie Koch is Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at American Heart Association Washington.