Protecting your heart health while traveling

Summer is the perfect time to travel, whether it’s by air or by ground.

Summer is the perfect time to travel, whether it’s by air or by ground.

Summer is the perfect time to travel, whether it’s by air or by ground.

Summer is the perfect time to travel, whether it’s by air or by ground.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Summer is the perfect time to travel, whether it’s by air or by ground.

Families are making sure they get one last trip in before the summer ends. But when it comes to our heart health there can be risks, especially for people living with a chronic heart condition.

“Coronary artery disease where you have plaque buildup in the heart, the blood vessels that are feeding the heart,” said. Dr. Anu Gopalan, an Emergency Medicine Physician with Kaiser Permanente Fresno, “or congestive heart failure where you have difficulty with the pump function of the heart.”

Dr. Gopalan explains that taking extra steps can go a long way.

“If you are going somewhere that you have everything on hand to address an emergent medical condition,” Dr. Gopalan. “Preparing a little today can help avoid a medical emergency tomorrow.”

Dr. Gopalan says if you have a long flight or road trip, make sure to take breaks.

“Sitting for an extended period of time can decrease the circulation that you have, which can increase the risk of blood clots,” said Dr. Gopalan.

He adds that walking every hour can prevent blood clots from forming. Also, make sure to know your route and where you’re headed.

“Mapping out some hospitals on your route might be a way to prepare as well,” said Dr. Gopalan. “Staying hydrated and making sure that you understand the climates that you’re going to, the pressures that you’re going to, and the weather that you’re traveling to.”

Dr. Gopalan explains that it’s also important to make sure you know your medical history and that all your medications are good to go. He also suggests sharing that information with your travel buddy.

“Write down your medical problems, the major surgeries that you’ve had, the medications that you take,” said Dr. Gopalan, “emergency medical contacts, and maybe even your allergies.”

If you are living with a chronic heart condition, you don’t need to cancel your trip. But doctors suggest checking in with your physician before taking off.

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