What to Do in a Cardiac Emergency While Traveling
By Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
As coronavirus restrictions slowly give way to a return to normalcy, the pent-up demand to visit locales near and far will become a reality for travelers.
Whether you’re taking a short car trip or venturing halfway across the world, there are certain aspects about travel that can prove challenging to your heart. But with some careful planning ahead of time, you can get the most out of travel, while also safeguarding your cardiac health.
Cardiovascular problems are the number one cause of death among travelers, accounting for nearly 50% of those who die while overseas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress during travel can activate an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
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Ask your cardiologist if you need to adjust your medications while you’re on the road. Also ask for a copy of your latest electrocardiogram (ECG) to take with you, so if you do experience a problem, the hospital’s emergency room doctors will know what your heartbeat normally looks like.
If you have coronary artery disease or have had bypass surgery or a stenting, make sure you take your blood thinners and aspirin along with you. And be sure to take along your nitroglycerin.
Before leaving, check your health insurance policy so you’ll know what’s covered and what isn’t. If you’re traveling abroad, consider supplementary medical insurance which can reimburse for unexpected medical costs, help you identify local medical facilities, and in cases of extreme emergency, arrange for your medical evacuation, if necessary.
First and foremost, make sure to take enough of your medication with you, and take them at the usual times. Make sure you take a list of your medications, and that you have your cardiologist’s phone number. For extended trips, consider taking a copy of your medical records along.
If you’re going to an undeveloped country, consider seeing a physician who specializes in travel medicine to make sure you get any vaccines you need.