As the busiest travel season of the year approaches, the American Heart Association has tips to ease travel worries for people living with health conditions like heart disease and stroke
WHITE PLAINS, NY, December 16, 2024 — Traveling during the holidays can bring excitement and joy, but for those living with heart disease or stroke, it also presents unique challenges. The American Heart Association (AHA), the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, emphasizes that with a bit of pre-travel preparation, these challenges can be managed effectively, transforming travel from “oh no” to “let’s go!”
“As the holiday season approaches, many are planning trips to reconnect with loved ones or to unwind on vacation,” said Dr. Gregory Pontone, a cardiologist and Associate Medical Director of Ambulatory Quality & Physician Services at White Plains Hospital. “For individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, travel requires additional considerations to ensure their health and safety. But with proper planning, these trips can still be enjoyable and stress-free.”
The American Heart Association suggests several key tips for those preparing to travel:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor to address any potential risks and receive personalized advice. Carry a copy of your medical records, emergency contacts and a list of your current medications.
- Organize Medications: Ensure all medications are clearly labeled and packed securely. Plan for time zone changes if applicable, and check transportation requirements for medications requiring refrigeration.
- Plan for Medical Devices: If you rely on equipment such as CPAP machines or portable oxygen devices, contact your travel provider to coordinate transportation. Don’t forget essentials like blood pressure or glucose monitors.
“Researching your destination is equally important,” Dr. Pontone noted. “Climate, elevation and access to medical facilities can all affect heart health. Knowing the local emergency numbers and identifying nearby pharmacies and hospitals can provide peace of mind during your trip.”
The American Heart Association has an interactive map to find hospitals across the U.S. recognized for consistently following up-to-date, research-based treatment guidelines for heart and stroke care.
The Association also highlights the importance of airport-specific preparations:
- Walking through busy airports can take a toll. When booking your ticket request a wheelchair or courtesy cart to get to your terminal.
- If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), you may need to go through a special security screening at the airport.
- Long plane rides, especially flights longer than 4 hours, may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Consider wearing compression socks and get up and walk around the cabin when it’s safe to do so to help improve your circulation. You can also exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you’re sitting with some simple heel and toe lifts.
“Maintaining your health while traveling means staying hydrated, being mindful of your diet and pacing your activities to avoid stress,” Dr. Pontone added. “A well-planned trip can not only be enjoyable but also beneficial for your overall well-being.”
To support travelers, the AHA offers resources such as an interactive hospital map for identifying heart- and stroke-care facilities across the U.S. and tips for performing Hands-Only CPR at participating airport kiosks.
For more information on preparing for travel with heart disease or stroke, visit heart.org.
Additional Resources:
- Use this medication chart to keep a copy of your prescriptions.
- AHA health information: Travel and Heart Disease | American Heart Association
- AHA News: Advance planning can lower risks of high-altitude activities for people with heart disease
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org