Preparing your departure
In most cases, a person who has been affected by a heart rhythm disorder or heart incident will still be able to travel. Often enough, this is part of their return to normal life, which is essential for making a long-term recovery.
But traveling is also a potential cause of stress — unknown places, an unfamiliar language, etc. — so certain precautions need to be taken ahead of your trip.
An essential prerequisite before you even begin to consider traveling is that you must no longer have any symptoms of a heart incident.
Once you have decided to travel, you will need to obtain the approval of your cardiologist. They may prescribe tests, such as a stress test, or an echocardiography to check that the heart can support the stress of traveling. In certain cases, they will also prescribe medication adapted to traveling.
You must also think about vaccinations and, more generally, the necessary prophylactic measures, i.e. the best way to prevent illness, either through medication or hygiene measures.
When you have been given the green light to travel, you will need to plan your trip carefully. We recommend choosing direct flights and short journeys to limit fatigue and stress. You will also need to bring your medication and medical files with you, in your backpack or hand luggage, to have them on you at all times in the event of hospitalization in the country you plan to visit. You will also need to check your travel insurance carefully: it must cover all emergencies, including those that are heart-related.
Your choice of country requires particular attention too. Extreme cold may increase the risk of a heart incident while scorching heat may tire the heart due to dehydration. Not forgetting that in certain developing countries, the lack of hygiene in aging hospital structures may compromise how well you are taken care of.
Before you travel, in addition to mandatory medical advice, it could also be a good idea to contact associations (see box) in which other people with similar medical conditions may have encountered the same problems.
Transport — useful recommendations
When traveling by plane, some airlines require you to inform them of any heart conditions you suffer from before boarding. They may impose a medical check to ensure that the person is fit for traveling. During the trip, it is a good idea to stimulate blood circulation by getting up and walking around, if you are able to do so. It is also advised to stay hydrated and wear compression stockings.
When traveling by car, the same recommendation to drink lots of water remains valid. It is also a good idea to factor in breaks and plan journeys in advance to prevent overly long trips and traffic jams. Don’t forget that some medications have a sedative effect.
For people fitted with defibrillators
Traveling with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generally doesn’t pose a problem, when your health allows. You will need the approval of your physician, but no mode of transport, including by air, is particularly dangerous. If you travel by plane, you will simply need to bring a document justifying that you wear a defibrillator, given that some airport security systems are likely to be activated by the metal case.
During your trip: continue to take your medication and maintain a healthy lifestyle
The first few days are often the toughest on the heart. It is better to limit travel and physical activity in general, particularly at altitude. Likewise, it is not recommended to swim in overly cold water.
You should also continue to take your medication on time. The change in time zone may cause you to forget.
After the first few days, normal physical activity may be resumed. Stretching exercises and walks will help to circulate the blood and limit stress. It is also important to pay attention to what you eat, which is less easy when you are away from home: avoid overly rich or sweet food.
Lastly, remember to monitor symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swollen feet, etc. These signs should alert you to see a doctor as soon as possible, even more than usual.
Dedicated associations
A certain number of specialized associations support people suffering from heart issues, as well as their loved ones. Among them is the Alliance du coeur, which brings together various associations across France. More specialized associations include the, Association des porteurs de dispositifs électriques cardiaques (APODEC), the l’Association pour les patients insuffisants cardiaques et leurs proches (ASPIC), and Coeur des Mamans Priorité Prévention, not forgetting the Association vie et coeur avec insuffisance cardiaque (AVEC), created for patients and their loved ones.
