Holidays

Holidays are important and a break gives you the chance to relax, rest and unwind. 

If your heart condition is stable, well controlled and you feel well, generally there should be no problem going on holiday. 

However, if you have recently been unwell, had some time in hospital, or have had heart surgery, it is usually best to wait for a few weeks until you feel fully recovered.  Talk to your doctor about going on holiday.  He or she will be able
to give you advice that is specific to you.

If you have a heart condition it is best not to travel to countries which are very hot or very cold, or to places at a high altitude.  For more information please see our fact sheet Extreme temperatures and high altitudes under our FAQ section. 

It is generally advisable to choose a country with good hygiene standards and somewhere that there is access to medical treatment, just in case it is needed.

It is important to plan your holiday carefully to avoid any unnecessary problems.  Some people find it helpful to go to a place that they have visited before, so that they are familiar with the area.  Avoid booking into accommodation that is on a steep hill or slope, unless you are confident that you are fit enough for that level of activity.  Find out what local transport is available and how close the hotel is to local facilities. 

Sometimes it is not the holiday itself that may cause problems.  Getting there and back can cause the difficulties.  Plan you route carefully, and allow plenty of time for whichever form of transport you are taking.  Don't carry heavy bags or rush around.

Make sure you have enough medication to last the duration of your holiday.  It is useful to have a supply of medication in your hand luggage and your suitcase.  It's a good idea to bring an up-to-date list of all your medication in case you lose them.  Keep the list separate from your medication and make sure that it contains both the generic name and the brand name of the medication.

Check your travel insurance before you go to make sure that you have enough cover.

Flying

Most people who have a heart condition are able to fly, as long as their condition is stable, well controlled and they don't have any symptoms.  However, if someone has recently been unwell or been in hospital it is better to wait until they have fully recovered.  Your doctor will be able to tell you when it is ok for you to fly.  People who have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery or who have recently been in hospital with any other heart condition should check with their doctor before travelling by air. 

If you get angina, talk to the airline beforehand.  You may be able to get transport within the airport terminal arrange to have early boarding.  It is safe for you to use your GTN spray in a pressurised container while you are on the plane. 

For most air passengers who have a heart condition the likelihood of developing a heart problem while travelling by air is low.  However, the air pressure on board an aircraft is not the same as that which occurs at sea level which means that there is slightly less oxygen available.  This will not cause problems for the majority of heart patients whose heart condition is stable. 

As a result of recent security alerts you may be discouraged from carrying certain medicines in your hand luggage unless they are essential for the flight period.  Please see our fact sheet on Air travel under the FAQ section for more information about this.

Air travel with a pacemaker or internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

If you have a pacemaker or an ICD you should bring your device identification with you.  Tell the airport staff that you have a device inserted so that you can bypass any security systems, which may affect the device.  If you have a coronary stent, you can walk through the security devices as normal.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and air travel

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in a vein.  This usually happens when blood 'pools' in the lower limbs.  If the clot breaks away and travels to the lung it can potentially be very dangerous - this is known as a pulmonary embolism.  The risk of developing a DVT while travelling by air for most people is very low.

If you have previously had a DVT, or a clot in your lungs or if you have had recent surgery under general anaesthetic then your risk is higher of a DVT and you should seek medical advice before flying.

If you are at high risk of a DVT, your doctor may advise you to wear support stockings during a flight.  If these are to be worn, ensure that you have the correct size for your leg and calf measurement.

It is not advisable to take aspirin or any other medication to thin the blood without seeking advice from your doctor.  However, if you take aspirin regularly on prescription, you should continue to take this as directed by your doctor.

For more information and tips to help you to reduce your risk of DVT please see our fact sheet on Air travel under the FAQ section.

If you have any concerns about travel and your health, it is very important to discuss these with your doctor, who will be able to advise you on your individual condition.

For further information on air travel:

The Aviation Health Institute
17c Between Towns Road
Oxford
OX4 3LX
Telephone: 01865 715999
Website: www.aviation-health.org

 

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