Warm climates or cooler weather?
There is no single holiday destination suitable for all people with cardiovascular diseases. According to the cardiologist, when choosing where to go, it is important to consider the specific diagnosis, disease stability, physical capacity, and medications being taken. The travel conditions themselves are no less significant: its duration, climate, altitude above sea level, planned physical activity, and the possibility of receiving medical assistance if needed, according to an “Adverum” press release.
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“Hot climates can pose an additional challenge for people with cardiovascular diseases. In high temperatures, blood vessels dilate, the pulse quickens, and the heart has to work harder. Profuse sweating also leads to fluid and electrolyte loss, which can affect well-being and heart function. People with heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, or poorly controlled arterial hypertension should be especially careful. More attention should also be paid by those taking diuretics or some other medications for cardiovascular diseases,” advises J. Jurgaitytė.
However, this does not mean that people with heart conditions should completely avoid warm climates. The cardiologist advises planning the day so that more active pursuits take place in the morning or evening, avoiding the scorching midday sun, and consuming enough fluids. For those with heart failure, the recommended fluid intake may be individual, so it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations.
“Countries with cooler or moderate climates may be more easily tolerated by many patients, as the body does not need to adapt to extreme heat. However, extreme cold is also not favorable for everyone – low temperatures constrict blood vessels, can increase blood pressure and cardiac load. Therefore, the most important thing is to avoid extreme conditions and choose a climate where one feels comfortable,” says J. Jurgaitytė.
According to the doctor, special preparation may be needed when planning trips to the mountains. As altitude above sea level increases, oxygen in the air decreases, which can lead to a faster pulse, increased blood pressure, and increased cardiac load. This is especially relevant for those with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension. It is recommended to increase altitude gradually, avoid intense physical exertion in the first few days, and consult with your treating physician before planning trips to altitudes above 2,500–3,000 meters.
Is it safe to travel by plane?
According to the cardiologist, there is no single safest mode of transport for people with heart conditions – the choice depends on the person’s condition and the duration of the journey. Traveling by car makes it easier to stop and move regularly, while longer journeys by bus, train, or plane mean more time spent sitting, which can increase the risk of venous thrombosis.
For most patients with stable heart disease, flights are safe. However, the pressure maintained in the aircraft cabin corresponds to an altitude of approximately 2,000–2,400 meters above sea level, meaning there is slightly less oxygen than under normal conditions. J. Jurgaitytė warns that this can be significant for some people with heart conditions.
“During long journeys, it is important to avoid prolonged immobility. It is recommended to stand up and walk around every hour or two, and if that is not possible, at least regularly move your feet and calf muscles. It is also important to consume enough fluids, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and sedatives, which further reduce mobility. Compression stockings may be recommended for patients at higher risk of thrombosis,” advises the doctor.
Holidays are not the time to make up for the whole year
When choosing between a relaxing or active holiday, the most important thing is to assess your usual physical capacity. If a person is regularly physically active in their daily life, an active holiday with walks, light hikes, or other moderate-intensity activities can even be more beneficial than spending all days relaxing by the pool.
The cardiologist warns that a greater risk arises when a person who has been inactive all year suddenly takes up intense sports, long hikes, or difficult climbs during their holiday. A sudden increase in physical exertion increases the oxygen demand for the heart muscle, can provoke heart rhythm disorders, angina symptoms, and in some cases, acute cardiovascular events.
“Holidays are not a competition – there’s no need to try to see all the sights or try all active entertainments in one day. It is recommended to increase physical activity gradually and listen to the signals your body sends. The best choice is moderate movement that brings pleasure, not exhaustion,” says the doctor.
“If during physical exertion you experience a pressing or burning pain in the chest, unusual shortness of breath, strong heart palpitations, dizziness, cold sweat, or nausea, physical activity should be stopped immediately. If symptoms do not subside within a few minutes or worsen, it is essential to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility,” she adds.
Medication – in hand luggage, and supplies – for a few extra days
To avoid stress, the doctor recommends taking a few extra days’ supply of medication for the trip – a flight might be cancelled, the journey unexpectedly prolonged, and a specific medication might not be available abroad or may require a prescription.
When traveling by plane, it is advisable to keep essential medications in your hand luggage so that they remain accessible even if checked luggage is delayed or lost. In case of strict airport security checks or if you need to consult local doctors, it is useful to have a list of medications you are taking, including not only brand names but also international active ingredient names, as well as a doctor’s note about your diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Those with an implanted pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator should carry their device identification card.
Before departing, the cardiologist advises finding out where to seek medical assistance at your travel destination and arranging travel insurance that covers cases related to an already diagnosed heart condition.
All-inclusive? Not for your heart
Holidays often change not only the daily routine but also eating habits. According to the cardiologist, it is not necessary to give up local cuisine or favorite dishes, but it is important to maintain moderation.
In hotel restaurants or cafes, it is recommended to choose boiled, oven-baked, or grilled dishes more often instead of fried ones, dedicate a larger portion of the plate to vegetables, and moderately consume salty snacks, smoked and processed meats, fatty sauces, and desserts.
According to the doctor, during holidays, it is especially important to remember moderation when consuming alcoholic beverages.
“Alcohol can interact with some medications for heart conditions, especially anticoagulants or certain antiarrhythmic drugs. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption in a short period can lead to the so-called “Holiday heart” (“šventinės širdies”) syndrome – sudden heart rhythm disturbances even in people who had not experienced them before. In hot weather, alcohol consumption also increases the risk of dehydration,” says the cardiologist.
Holidays – a break from work, but not from treatment
A changed daily routine, sleep and eating patterns, flights, or time zone changes can make it harder to remember to take medication while traveling. According to the doctor, medication for cardiovascular diseases should not be arbitrarily discontinued – even a break of a few days can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, recurrence of disease symptoms, or be extremely dangerous.
“During a trip, the usual daily rhythm changes – we eat differently, move more, sleep patterns change, making it easier to forget to take medication. The more different preparations and their administration times need to be remembered, the greater the chance of making a mistake. Both clinical studies and daily practice confirm that the simpler the treatment regimen, the easier it is to adhere to, both at home and while traveling,” says the doctor.
For some patients who already require a stable combination of several medications, the doctor may consider options to simplify treatment. One of them is a polypill, where several active components (such as antihypertensive drugs and a statin) are combined in one tablet. When several active components are combined into one tablet, treatment becomes simpler – fewer pills need to be taken, it’s easier to adhere to the regimen, and the likelihood of forgetting something during travels is reduced.
According to the cardiologist, upon returning from a trip, the medication regimen should not change – one should return to the usual schedule immediately. Sleep patterns, physical activity, or daily routine can be adjusted gradually over several days. The most important thing is not to cause additional stress to the body.
“Holidays should be a time to rest, but they should not become a break from taking care of your health,” reminds J. Jurgaitytė.
Traveling after heart surgery: when is it possible, and when is it better to postpone?
When preparing for a longer or more distant trip, the cardiologist recommends ensuring in advance that the disease is stable and the prescribed treatment is properly adjusted. If your health condition or treatment has changed in the past few months, it is advisable to visit your doctor before departing.
Greater caution is needed for patients whose condition is currently unstable or who have recently experienced an acute cardiac event. When traveling by plane, a flight may also need to be postponed after a recent myocardial infarction or heart surgery, in cases of decompensated heart failure, or uncontrolled heart rhythm disorders.
According to the cardiologist, after an uncomplicated myocardial infarction, if the condition is stable, travel can be considered after approximately 2–3 weeks. After a smoothly performed stent implantation, travel can sometimes be planned after one or two weeks, and after major heart surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, it is usually recommended to wait at least 4–6 weeks. The specific decision should always be made individually, assessing the patient’s condition and consulting with the doctor.
“If the disease is stable, treatment is adjusted, and the person feels well, travel usually does not pose additional risks. On the contrary, quality rest, reduced stress, and positive emotions can be beneficial for heart health. Therefore, the most important question is not whether one can travel, but how to do it safely,” summarizes the cardiologist.
