If your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, you’ll probably be controlling it with lifestyle changes and/or medication. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of your condition when outside of your usual routine. Ensure you have a happy and healthy holiday by keeping these tips in mind ahead of your holiday.
1: Speak to your doctor first.
It’s a good idea to get their go-ahead on your travel plans before making any bookings, just to make sure they are happy.
2: Ask your GP for a prescription for extra medication to cover your trip if needed, as well as a copy of it.
Always split your medication between your hold and hand luggage so if one of your bags gets lost or misplaced, you still have a supply of your medication. Plus, if you get delayed on the way home and need more medication than you originally thought, you will have enough to cover this.
3: If required, request a doctor’s letter, which permits you to take your medicine with you to your chosen destination.
This is always a good idea just in case the country you are visiting requires written confirmation for you to take your medicine abroad. Having a doctors letter is also good in case you do need to visit the pharmacy when you are abroad.
4: If you’re flying, get an up-to-date blood pressure reading as close to the date you fly as possible.
There should be no reason why you can’t travel by air. However, it’s a good idea to check your blood pressure with your doctor before you go – especially if you haven’t had a blood pressure test for over a year.
5: When you’re travelling by air move around the cabin regularly.
Do gentle leg exercises while in your seat.
6: Avoid salty snacks and alcohol throughout your trip.
A break from your usual routine can affect your blood pressure.
7: Plan when to take your medication.
If you’ll be travelling to a different time zone, make sure you factor in the time difference. Most medicine for high blood pressure is taken daily. If that’s the case for you, the most important thing is to stick to one dose within 24 hours. It’s better to have a slight gap between doses than to take two too close together.
8: Be aware of how activities may affect you.
You should be able to take part in most activities while you’re away. Although, anything that could include sudden changes in pressure is best avoided, such as scuba diving.
On the other hand, using saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs shouldn’t be a problem. However, make sure you’re well-hydrated beforehand. Also, limit your time to one and take someone with you. Remember that the heat can lower your blood pressure, making you feel faint and light-headed, especially if you take blood pressure medication.
9: Know how to recognise the signs of high blood pressure, even if your condition is under control.
A spike in your blood pressure can cause symptoms such as dizziness, chest pains, an erratic heartbeat, confusion, headaches, and problems with your vision.
10: Arrange medical travel insurance for high blood pressure.
It’s vital that your travel insurance provider both knows about and can provide cover for your condition.
