Travel is a fun and rewarding experience, and cardiovascular disease doesn’t have to get in the way of enjoying it. A little preparation can go a long way–from planning for medications and long travel days, to understanding how changes in altitude, climate, or routine may affect a traveler’s health.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Nathan, shares practical guidance for travelers with cardiovascular disease, including what to do before departure, what to keep in mind while away, and steps that can help support cardiovascular health throughout the trip.
Before Travel:
Know the Destinations and Planned Activities
Conditions at different destinations can place various demands on the body. Altitude, temperature, and humidity are all factors that can affect cardiovascular health.
Activities may have physical demands that may be more than the normal demands at home. In addition, the availability of healthcare resources may vary significantly by destination, which can affect access to medical care if it is needed.
Altitude deserves particular attention. At higher elevations, lower oxygen availability places different demands on the cardiovascular system. Travelers with cardiovascular disease who are heading to a high-altitude destination should discuss the elevation and planned activities with their healthcare provider ahead of time. Steps such as gradual ascent and allowing time to acclimate can help the body adjust to altitude.
Temperature and humidity also need to be considered. Temperature extremes and higher humidity can stress the cardiovascular system. Activities should be planned with consideration of temperature and humidity. Travelers should follow hydration and fluid recommendations from their healthcare provider.
Activities can have physical demands. Sightseeing can mean hours of walking, and airports, stairs, hills, carrying luggage, hiking, or other activities can add significantly more exertion than a typical day at home. Building rest periods and flexibility into the itinerary makes it easier to adjust the pace when needed without taking away from the overall experience.
Travelers should also be aware of the healthcare resources available at their destination, including accessible hospitals, urgent care centers, and nearby pharmacies, should medical care or prescription assistance be needed. Taking these steps before departure can help travelers better manage potential health concerns while away from home.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Travelers should meet with their healthcare provider or a travel health specialist 4–6 weeks before departure. This allows time to review the trip and any health considerations associated with the destination. Travelers should bring their trip itinerary- including destinations, transportation, accommodations, and activities. These details will help the provider fine tune their advice to fit specific health needs.
Anyone who has recently had a cardiac procedure or experienced a change in their cardiovascular health should discuss those circumstances with their healthcare provider before traveling. The goal is to identify any adjustments, precautions, or accommodations that can help the traveler manage their health while away.
Have a Medication Plan
Travelers should bring enough medication to last for the entire trip, plus an additional supply in case of delays or changes in travel plans. Travelers should have an up-to-date medication list that includes medication names, dosages, and instructions. Essential medications belong in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage so they remain accessible if luggage is delayed or lost. Whenever possible, medications should remain in their original, clearly labeled containers. When crossing multiple time zones, travelers should ask their healthcare provider how to adjust medication timing.
A medical summary is useful to have. This can include the traveler’s cardiovascular diagnosis, allergies, medications, relevant medical history, treating physician’s contact information, and emergency contacts. Depending on the condition, a healthcare provider may recommend carrying a recent electrocardiogram (ECG) or other relevant medical records. Travelers with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) should carry the device identification card and follow the device manufacturer’s recommendations for airport security screening.
During Travel:
Stay Hydrated
Appropriate hydration is important. During air travel, the low humidity in the cabin draws moisture from the skin and respiratory tract. Alcohol and caffeine worsen fluid loss in the low humidity cabin. Travelers with fluid restrictions should continue following the specific fluid recommendations provided by their healthcare team.
Keep Moving
Extended periods of sitting deserve attention during air, car, bus, and train travel. Trips lasting more than four hours can increase the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Certain medical conditions or other factors can further increase that risk.
During long periods of travel, get up and walk periodically when it is safe to do so. Stretches and simple leg and calf movements while seated can also help break up long periods of immobility. On road trips, regular stops provide an opportunity to get out of the vehicle and move around.
Those with a history of blood clots or other risk factors should discuss long-distance travel with their healthcare provider before departure and follow their recommendations regarding any additional preventive measures.
At the Destination:
Maintain Routines
Travel can quickly disrupt familiar routines. Different meal times, changes in sleep, long days of activities, and time-zone changes can all affect how travelers feel.
As much as possible, travelers should maintain the routine from home. Take medications on schedule and continue following individualized dietary, hydration, activity, and monitoring recommendations.
It is helpful to allow some time to adjust after arrival, particularly following an overnight flight, a major time-zone change, or arrival at altitude. A packed schedule is not necessary on the first day. Building some flexibility into the itinerary gives the body time to adjust while still leaving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the trip.
Maintain a regular sleep routine. Optimize the sleeping environment by keeping the room cool and dark, using eye masks and ear plugs, and having a wind-down routine before sleep. When tired, travelers should allow rest. Limiting daytime naps to 15-20 minutes allows travelers to still sleep at night.
Most importantly, travelers should know which symptoms require immediate attention. New or worsening chest pain or pressure, significant shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, sudden weakness, or other symptoms that could indicate a cardiovascular emergency require prompt medical evaluation.
Know Who to Call for Medical Care
Before departure, travelers should understand their travel insurance and emergency assistance options and know how to access them while away. Emergency assistance providers like On Call can help travelers navigate healthcare in unfamiliar destinations, from identifying appropriate medical care to locating medications when needed. Depending on the situation, On Call can help arrange a telehealth consultation for a minor concern, connect a traveler with an appropriate local healthcare provider, or even help locate a pharmacy if medication needs to be replaced or refilled.
For more serious medical situations, assistance may include coordinating care between medical teams and facilitating medical transportation or evacuation when medically necessary. Keep the emergency assistance provider’s contact information readily accessible throughout the trip, including a copy saved somewhere other than a phone. Knowing who to call can take some of the guesswork out of finding and accessing appropriate care when a medical need arises away from home.
Preparation Makes a Difference
These steps are not about limiting travel. They are about giving travelers the information and tools they need to manage their health while away—and spend more of their time enjoying the trip.
Want to ensure your travelers are equipped with the information and resources they need for safe, healthy, and successful trips? Contact us today to learn more.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
