Three Tips for Heart Patients who Frequently Travel

While traveling can be fun, it can also be a challenge in certain circumstances. Any form of a health condition can make travel difficult, especially if the journey is a frequent necessity, rather than a luxury holiday. Regular travel, be it for work or personal reasons, can put a strain on anyone with a health condition, in particular for heart patients since travel can make their condition worse.

A new routine with precautions and safety measures can make travel for heart patients more convenient and fruitful. I've teamed up with the experts at Click Pharmacy to bring you some top tips and precautionary measures to think about at each stage of your journey. If you are a heart patient and travel frequently, you could make your trip healthier and more productive by following these three tips:

1. Before the trip

Give yourself a few weeks to get your travel plans in order before you leave. This preparation time can be used to organise your journey plan, get the required medication in the correct amount beforehand, and also to get suitable travel insurance.

When organising your journey plan, you can make sure to familiarise yourself with the place you are visiting and make note of any nearby medical facilities. You can get in touch with the airline and let them know of your heart condition. This usually results in the cabin crew being advised of your condition and having the correct medication ready. You can also get the airline to arrange help with baggage and boarding because heart patients are often not used to carrying heavy loads, but while travelling, you have to. Look into the cost to charter private jet as a faster and less stressful alternative to commercial flights. 

It would be best if you spoke to your doctor in advance. If the doctor allows travel, then you should engage in a conversation about the dos and don’ts of the trip. Make sure to note them down, so you remember to follow them. Get a prescription of the medicines you might need on the trip so that you can purchase them and keep them with you on the trip. Remember to keep the prescription and your cardiologist’s number with you during the journey and to get a good travel insurance.

2.  During the flight

Be aware of your body’s messages during the plane and respond to them accordingly. A heart condition can raise the chances of clotting when travelling by air. Usually doctors recommend wearing flight socks or stockings, also known as support stockings, throughout your flight. These stockings are designed to keep the blood in your legs circulating even when you are sitting still for long periods to prevent clotting. You can also reduce the risk of clotting by walking around the cabin regularly, taking adequate amount of fluids, and stretching out your legs and ankles from time to time when sitting in your seat.

Make sure you keep your medicine bag well within reach throughout the flight. Let the flight attendant know in advance that you might need the oxygen supply. Also, make a list of your medication and your dosages and keep it with you at all times.

Get an aisle seat because this will allow you to leave your seat easily if you need to walk around or stretch your legs without bothering other passengers. It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages and to remain well hydrated.

3. On the trip

It is strongly recommend that during the course of the journey, time is set aside to exercise as per routine. We tend to disrupt our exercise routines when we are travelling, and it can be harmful to a heart patient. If you don’t have an exercise routine, it is recommended you build some exercise into your day. Go for a daily walk and plan a route before you leave home so that you can be active and explore new areas of the place you are visiting. You can also book a hotel with fitness facilities that you can use during your stay at any time of the day making it easier for you to build exercise into your busy travel routine.

Being on a trip, often makes us relax. This can result in skipping on your usual heart-healthy diet and eating out more often. Try and follow a heart-healthy diet throughout your trip. Experts suggest getting to know the options available in your area of travel beforehand so you can make quick decisions about lunch and dinner. Eating at your hotel can be a good idea as you can ask for the food to be customised to your taste and requirements. Make sure to pay attention to the salt content of your food too.

Conclusion

Specialists urge heart patients to drink plenty of water during the flight and when travelling in general, to avoid dehydration and minimise the risk from blood clots. These tips are recommended by the experts at Click Pharmacy to help heart patients have a healthy and successful travel time.

This is a collaborative post. The information provided in this blog post is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. This blog is not meant to be used, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Doe diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem please consult your healthcare provider. All about a Mummy is in no way responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences.