Important tips for those traveling with heart disease

Prepare Before Traveling Internationally

AirMed Members Ask Important Health Questions

My husband and I are planning a wonderful safari in Botswana. We are both so excited to fulfill this life-long dream! However, I have some concerns because I have recently undergone a cardiac cath and had stents placed in two arteries. I’ve done well and feel so much better since surgery, but I am afraid that if I have a problem while we are so far away I’ll be unable to get to the medical care I need. Do you have any suggestions?

Excellent choice of adventure vacation! I certainly understand your concern regarding access to quality medical care when traveling to such a remote location. My first suggestion would be that you discuss these plans with your physician at least three months prior to your planned departure. Make sure that he or she understands certain details of your trip, particularly the level of difficulty and exertion. 

Your physician can then best advise you individually on whether your exercise tolerance will allow you to safely participate in this adventure. Of course, you will also need to ensure that you are taking all of your medications as prescribed, and that you have an adequate supply of your medications for the duration of your excursion. Also, as I have mentioned in previous columns, keep your medications in your carry-on luggage – NEVER in your checked bags!

I believe, though, that you are asking more about what to do in case you experience chest pain or other symptoms indicative of a “heart attack” while in a remote area. If you experience these symptoms and you are a long way from medical care, chew an aspirin immediately (even if you already take one per day). In addition, use nitroglycerin tablets as directed. 

Since you have a cardiac history, I expect that your physician has given you a prescription for these, even if you rarely or never use them. Ensure that you take these with you, and that they are not expired. You still may be hours, if not days, away from reaching a medical facility, so I would suggest that you begin that process at the first sign of trouble and not wait to see if you “feel better.” Any additional delay could mean significant damage to your heart muscle, and could put your life at risk.

Contact AirMed prior to your trip. We can look at your travel itinerary and identify recommended hospitals and clinics in the areas you will be visiting. We can also ensure that you have all the contacts you might need with the embassy or consulate, legal assistance, and ambulance services. During your travels, if you experience any medical issues, you can contact us and we will assist you through the process of getting to definitive medical care, as well as begin the process of planning your air ambulance return home if that is required.

All of these suggestions hold true whether you are traveling in exotic locals such as Okavango Delta in Botswana or a business trip three states away from your hometown. We are here to help you plan safe and healthy travel just as much as we are here for your medical transport needs!

--Dr. Beth Phillips, MD, FACEP, FAWM, is AirMed's Director of Medical Operations and a regular contributor to this blog