If you have
heart disease and are planning a trip or vacation, it’s very important to do
some advance planning which can help you focus on enjoying yourself. It is very
important that you seek emergency room treatment in the face of chest pain,
signs of a heart attack, or other symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Follow these
tips to get ready for your trip:
Consult
With Your Healthcare Provider- Depending on your condition, it may make sense to visit
your healthcare provider before you embark on your journey. Talking to your
doctor becomes even more important if you are having any new symptoms or have
undergone any surgery recently to be sure that traveling is safe for you.
Before leaving, carry contact details of your doctor in case of problems, copy
of your electrocardiogram if you have an abnormal or irregular heartbeat and be
sure to have any immunizations required for the country you’re visiting. Check
your insurance coverage and ensure it will cover you where you are traveling.
Medication
Management- Pack
enough medication to get you through the entire trip. Better you carry extra
which can cover you for a few extra days just in case. Clearly label your
medication so there remains no confusion as to what you should take and when.
There should always be a water bottle with you. The medication should be placed
in a place that you can easily reach while you are en route. Bring all
medication and snacks (if you need to take medicines with food) on your
carry-on luggage if you are flying.
Your Diet- Follow your diet on your trip in
case you are on a special diet at home. Avoid consumption of salt in excess if
you have heart failure (HF) as it can bring on the symptoms. Carry low-salt
snacks with you. It is important that you incorporate some form of physical
activity in your daily routine.
Request an
aisle seat if you fly so you can easily get up and walk around which leads to
proper blood circulation. There’s an increased risk of blood clots if you
travel a long distance, and sitting for many hours causes slower blood
circulation that can drive up that risk. Wear comfortable shoes and socks, stay
hydrated and move around during the flight (at least once every two hours walk
up and down the aisle). Request special security clearance with a hand search
at the airport if you have an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) or
pacemaker. Carry all contact details and website addresses for pacemaker and
ICD manufacturers.
Last, but
not the least get help if you are on vacation and have any heart symptoms. Nothing
is more important than your health.
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