People with heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, valvular diseases or heart failure can usually travel, but should plan their holidays carefully. The German Heart Foundation draws attention to this. Early consultation with the attending physician is essential to avoid health risks such as overload due to climate or altitude. The German Heart Foundation offers a travel checklist with practical information on necessary medical documents, such as surgery reports, stent or coagulation cards, as well as medication plans and tips on taking medication with you. This is available online or by phone.

The patient’s ability to work under pressure is a central indication of the patient’s ability to travel. A stable illness, controlled by medication and regular visits to the doctor, as well as sufficient physical performance are prerequisites. After interventions such as the dilation of coronary arteries or the insertion of a defibrillator or pacemaker, one to two weeks should pass before a trip begins, and after a heart attack or heart surgery, two to four weeks. Shorter-term trips are possible after medical consultation.

When choosing a destination, climate and altitude conditions should be taken into account. Altitudes of up to 2500 meters are usually unproblematic for stable heart patients, while higher altitudes can overload the heart due to lower oxygen content in the air. Tropical or arctic climates often put too much strain on the cardiovascular system, which is why familiar climates should be preferred. High temperatures can cause circulatory problems or arrhythmias if inadequate precautions are taken.

For air travel, the Heart Foundation recommends carrying medical documents and sufficient medication in your hand luggage. Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators should have their ID cards ready at airport checkpoints. For long-haul flights of eight to ten hours or more, prophylaxis may be necessary for patients with an increased risk of thrombosis.

According to the Heart Foundation, travel should be avoided if symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath or dizziness with low exertion, increasing edema or sudden loss of consciousness occur. In such cases, an immediate visit to the doctor is necessary to prevent serious complications. The recommendations of the Heart Foundation help heart patients to enjoy their holidays safely and well prepared.

Service tip:

A travel checklist on the most important points of good travel preparation and the possibility to order a travel set for heart patients is available free of charge from the German Heart Foundation on https://herzstiftung.de/urlaub-herzpatient or by phone on 069 955128-400

The guide “Defying any weather with heart disease – tips for everyday life and vacation” can be requested free of charge from the Heart Foundation on bestellung@herzstiftung.de or by phone on 069 955128-400.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.