A lot of people like to travel. For some it will be unavoidable even if they don’t like it.
However, if there is a need to undertake trips when there are any problems in the body should be very careful. In particular, here's what heart patients should look out for when traveling and what kind of things to pay more attention to.
Heart patients often think twice before traveling somewhere.
If they suffer from heart disease (CVD) such as heart attack, stroke, failure, cardiac arrhythmias or have had any heart surgery, find out what precautions to take while traveling.
Travel assessment and planning
Before making trips, it is important to consult with your cardiologist.
It is a good idea to have high blood pressure, ECG and stress tests done if needed. You can only travel if your doctor allows it at the end of the test.
Try to limit saturated fats, foods high in sodium, and added sugars. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet is an example of an eating plan that can help you to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, two things that can lower your risk of heart disease.
As long as your condition is well-managed, and your doctor clears you for travel, there's no reason to avoid travelling. Note: Do not travel by air within 2 weeks of a heart attack. Even if you feel well, talk to your doctor to make sure you're fit for travel.
Insurance
Travel health insurance can help you avoid financial problems from unexpected illnesses, but it can be complicated to find coverage if you have a pre-existing condition and/or are an older traveler (50 years of age or older). Unfortunately, many policies lump all travelers with heart conditions together. This means that insurers may treat you the same way regardless of whether you have one stent but are otherwise healthy or if you have had a triple bypass, are on many drugs, and may have difficulty travelling.
Travelers over the age of 60 are often asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. Disclose all past diagnoses, tests, and changes in medication. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor for help or get access to your medical file. Providing incorrect information on the medical questionnaire – even by accident – can be grounds to deny a claim. When in doubt about medical or legal terminology, including how exclusions and limitations will affect your coverage, call your insurer.
Stress
The stress of flying and navigating airports can take a toll on your health. Plan a low-stress route with lots of extra time for getting to the airport and making connections. If you need assistance with your bags or transportation within the airport terminal, contact the airline before your trip to coordinate mobility assistance such as a wheelchair.
Finding doctors abroad
It’s a good idea to locate doctors at your destination before you leave home. Your doctor or cardiologist may be able to refer you to a cardiologist in your host country. If you are taking Warfarin, your doctor may recommend that you have your international normalized ratio (INR) levels checked during your trip. This can be done with an accurate portable INR testing (point-of-care) device, or your doctor may be able to refer you to INR monitoring clinics at your destination. Talk to your doctor about therapy adjustment across 6 or more time zones. This may include increasing or decreasing the dose, or taking it earlier or later than you normally would.
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