Note! In summer, and especially during holiday trips, cardiovascular complaints may worsen. The use of simple gymnastics will help you withstand the rigors of the journey. Learn how to prepare for your trip if you suffer from heart disease.
People withheart diseasesshould assess their he alth before leaving, and take into account the doctor's recommendations regarding the place to rest and how to travel.
Fartravelsare often associated with changing climatic conditions and with sudden fluctuations in pressure and temperature. Working people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases and who decide to take a vacation, may experience exacerbation of certain ailments during their trips.
- High temperatures or rapid changes in pressure can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease. Heat and long-term travel can weaken the body, and excessive effort can lead toheart attack- warns the expert of the "Heart Again" program, prof. dr hab. Zbigniew Gaciong.
This does not mean that you should give up the long-awaited vacation. Summer is the best time to take a break from work, boss and everyday duties. When choosing a longer vacation, you should follow a few simple rules that will help you avoid complications from the cardiovascular system.
What to do if you suffer from heart disease and are going on a trip?
Employees who are under the constant care of a doctor, should consult a cardiologist before planning their vacation. It is worth consulting a specialist regarding any additional tests that will rule out contraindications for the trip. Due to the nature of the place visited, the doctor may also change the recommended drugs or their dosage.
There are very few diseases that preclude travel. For example, it is recommended to postpone the trip or flight for two weeks after suffering a heart attack. It is assumed that if the patient climbs one floor of the stairs, he will also endure the hardships of air travel. Remaining still, however, adversely affects blood circulation and promotes the formation of blood clots, so get up from time to time and move around. You should wear loose, non-compressing clothing at the waist and remember to drink the right amountliquids.
Use simple gymnastics that will help you get through the hardships of the journey. The easiest way is to climb on your toes or stretch and cross your legs every few minutes. These simple movements will help you avoid discomfort on the long journey.
Air in the cabin of an airplane has very little humidity, which promotes dehydration, as does the consumption of alcoholic beverages on board. Especially people who have ever had a venous thrombosis in the past may have indications for prophylactic administration of anticoagulants before the planned long-hour air travel.
When visiting high mountain regions, it is worth remembering about sudden changes in pressure, which have an impact on the condition of the body and well-being. People with cardiovascular diseases, who are used to working in the office without requiring physical effort, may experience shortness of breath, palpitations in the heart and chest pains. In order to minimize this type of discomfort, you can prepare your body before departure, e.g. by increasing the amount of physical exercise every day.
People with cardiovascular diseases should complete their hand luggage before traveling. It should contain all the prescribed medications with information leaflets, a he alth book with a description of the disease, comfortable clothes, water, etc.
For people who spend little time preparing meals at work and eat
in a hurry in front of a computer monitor, the vacation will be a great opportunity to follow the principles of a he althy diet. During the holidays, you can pay more attention to food preparation. It is worth introducing to the menu products from the visited region of the world - e.g. sea fish, fresh vegetables, fruit and juices. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, follow a light, low-calorie diet that will improve your appearance and well-being.