Travelling Safely with a Heart Condition This Summer

Summer travel tips

• Carry medicines in hand luggage, with extra supply, original packaging where possible, a written medication list and a copy of your prescription in case you need to replace your medication while away.
• If travelling across time zones, ask your healthcare professional whether you need to adjust the timing of your medications.
• Bring a short medical summary, emergency contacts and any device card for a pacemaker or ICD.
• Plan a realistic pace: choose accommodation close to transport, food, pharmacies and medical help.
• Think about your medical needs when choosing a destination: remote locations may not always have rapid access to specialist cardiac services. Before travelling, identify the nearest hospital and consider whether it would be able to provide the level of care you might need in an emergency.
• Avoid the hottest part of the day, rest in the shade and follow medical advice on hydration, especially if you have fluid restrictions.
• When possible, move regularly during long flights, train journeys or car trips, and ask whether compression stockings are appropriate.
• Declare your heart condition when buying travel insurance and check that existing medical conditions are covered.
• Know the local emergency number and nearest medical facility. In most European countries, 112 can be used for emergency assistance.

Caregivers can help by keeping copies of key documents, knowing where medicines are packed, understanding the travel plan and agreeing in advance which symptoms should prompt urgent medical help.