Planning ahead makes holiday travel safer for people with medical needs

For people living with a health condition like heart disease or stroke, traveling away from home can pose some special challenges. Those traveling to smaller, rural communities, where there may be few doctors and hospitals, may experience less specialized care and longer travel distances for care.

As people look forward to the holidays, many will travel to spend time with family and friends or to enjoy relaxation on the beach or ski slopes. For some, that means throwing a few essentials into a backpack and hitting the roads or airways.

"It’s not always that simple for people living with chronic health conditions that require multiple medications or special medical equipment,” said Dr. Grace Ayafor, president of the American Heart Association Board of Directors in Northeast Ohio and interventional cardiologist at Summa Health. "There are also considerations for how to maintain your health and not put yourself at increased risk.”

She said that doesn’t mean travel is off limits for those who have a chronic health condition. A little planning and preparation can take the stress out of travel and prepare them for their next big adventure.

—Check in with a health care provider: Consult a primary care physician or specialist about travel plans and any special considerations related to personal health. They can offer guidance on any restrictions or precautions to keep in mind. It’s also helpful to carry a copy of key medical records and a list of phone numbers for doctors including emergency contact information.

—Manage medications: Ensure medications are clearly labeled and available in sufficient quantities for the entire trip. Carry a list of all medications including dosages and pharmacy details. When traveling across time zones, work with a health care provider to adjust medication schedules appropriately. Some medications may require refrigeration, so research packing requirements for airport security or other transport and confirm access to a refrigerator at the destination.

—Plan for transporting medical devices and supplies: For travel by airplane, bus, train, cruise ship or other means, plan in advance for any special medical equipment. Travelers who use a wheelchair, walker or other mobility assistance may need to coordinate with the travel company regarding transport procedures. The same applies to portable oxygen devices or CPAP machines. Blood pressure or glucose monitors also should be included if used regularly.

“Depending on where you’re traveling, you’ll also want to do some research and planning specific to the location,” Ayafor said. “The local climate and elevation may impact how you feel — extreme heat or cold can affect circulation and put extra strain on your heart. In high altitudes there is less oxygen in the air, and your heart may need to work harder to circulate the amount of oxygen you need. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers and the location of nearby medical facilities and pharmacies of the area where you’re visiting."

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.

Air travel is especially busy during the holiday season, and planning ahead can make the experience easier.

—Walking through busy airports can take a toll. When booking a ticket, request a wheelchair or courtesy cart to get to the terminal.

—Travelers with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may need to undergo a special security screening at the airport.

—Long plane rides, especially flights longer than four hours, may increase the risk of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Wearing compression socks and walking around the cabin when it is safe can help improve circulation. Calf exercises and simple heel and toe lifts performed while seated also can support healthy blood flow.

Learn more about healthy traveling at www.heart.org.