There shouldn’t be many places you cannot go if you have a heart condition, but for some destinations, there are certain things you need to be aware of and precautions you will need to take. For example, some countries have very strict rules about the type and/or amounts of certain medication that may be brought in by visitors, so it’s worth checking whether this might be the case for any of the prescribed medicines you take for your heart condition. Talk to your doctor about where you are planning to go for professional travel advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
Generally speaking, extremes of warm or cold weather can affect your heart condition. Cold temperatures in particular can make the symptoms of a heart condition worse, so if you’re planning a trip somewhere cold, it’s vital that you stay warm. Pack plenty of warm clothes that you can layer, and make sure you have a hat, gloves and thick socks to keep your extremities protected from the cold. We recommend staying inside if it’s very cold, and the BHF advises an indoor temperature of at least 18 degrees for people with a heart condition.
Hot weather and/or too much sun can also aggravate a heart condition, particularly as it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you’re off on a beach holiday or another warm destination, drink plenty of water throughout the day and try to stay out of direct sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Take care not to overdo it in terms of exercise or physical exertion, cover up with a sunhat and light, loose-fitting clothing and don’t forget the sun cream – one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and a high star rating.
If you have a heart condition, you will also need to consider altitude when choosing a holiday destination. A high altitude – over 2,000 metres above sea-level – means less oxygen in the air, which can result in headaches and breathlessness, and even angina, a feeling of pain and discomfort in your chest. Don’t book a trip to a high-altitude location before speaking to your doctor first; they will be able to advise you whether or not it is too much of a risk with your heart condition.
On paper, the perfect holiday destination for people with a heart condition is somewhere warm but not too hot, as close to sea level as possible and with a slow, relaxed pace of life. Try not to choose anywhere that’s too remote; we recommend staying in accommodation that is close to amenities and is easy to get to. Of course, that’s not to say that anywhere else is off-limits, but if you need a little inspiration in terms of where to go, you won’t go far wrong choosing somewhere that fits this description!
