Going on holiday when you have a heart or circulatory condition should still be an enjoyable time, allowing you to relax, rest and unwind.

Is it safe to go on holiday with a heart condition?

If you have a heart or circulatory condition that’s well controlled, stable, and you feel good, it is usually ok to go on holiday. You can check with your GP if it’s safe for you to go. Here are some handy tips to think about when planning your holiday:

• Stay in accommodation that’s easy to get to and close to facilities like restaurants, shops or leisure activities.
• Plan a relaxing holiday, do not go somewhere too difficult to walk, or take part in activities that are challenging, unless you’re confident you are fit enough.
• Make note of local emergency numbers and how to get medical help.
• If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and you’re travelling by air or going overseas, get a letter from your GP about your condition, medicines, allergies and any medical devices.
• Carry phone numbers for your GP and family members.
• Make sure you have the right travel insurance to cover your condition. 

Travelling with medicines

It is essential you bring enough medicines with you to last throughout your holiday. Keep your medicines in your hand luggage if you are flying to your destination, some people keep a supply in their suitcase too. Keep an up-to-date list of all your medicines and doses in your purse or wallet, including the name and brand name in case you lose any of them.

If you need to carry essential medical supplies in your hand luggage, you’ll need a letter from your doctor explaining what they’re for.

If you need to take medicines that are liquids, creams or gels over 100ml in your hand luggage, you’ll need a letter from your doctor and approval from the airline before you travel. You’ll also need to carry the medicines separately and declare it at security.

Check if there are any restrictions on medicines that can be brought in to the country you’re travelling to. You can do this through the country’s embassy or high commission.

Can I travel alone?

Most people with a heart condition will be ok travelling alone. Follow the helpful tips on this page and share the details of your holiday with your GP and family or friends before departure.

Travelling with a child with a heart condition

When planning to go on holiday with a child who has a heart condition, speak to your GP or heart specialist before booking a holiday to make sure the child is able to fly or take a long journey. Give yourself time to order enough medicines for the holiday, and to arrange transport options. 

If you need assistance at the airport terminal or during the flight, let the airport or airline know in advance so they can support you.

Can I travel to very hot and cold climates?

Discuss with your GP or heart specialist before going to countries with extreme temperatures, whether it's very hot or very cold.

The weather can put an added strain on your heart, especially if you have conditions such as angina or heart failure. If you take diuretics (otherwise known as water tablets such as frusemide) or have been put on a daily fluid restriction, talk to your GP before going somewhere hot.   

Can I travel to high altitudes?

Avoid travelling to high altitudes (above 2,000 metres) as the higher you go above sea level, the less oxygen there is in the air. This means that less oxygen will be carried in your blood. This can cause headaches, extreme breathlessness or can bring on angina symptoms.  If you do plan to travel to a high-altitude destination, speak to your doctor or heart specialist. 

Stay up to date with your Covid-19 and flu vaccines

If you are at greater risk of serious illness from Covid, for example if you are over 65 or a frontline health and social care worker, you are eligible for an autumn vaccine booster. Find out if you are eligible for a Covid booster and how to book an appointment.

Getting to your destination

The most stressful part of a holiday can sometimes be getting to and from your destination. To reduce any problems you might get from travelling:

• Plan your route and allow plenty of time for transport so that you're not rushed.
• Use bags and suitcases on wheels so you’re not carrying heavy luggage.

Can I travel by air?

Most people with heart and circulatory disease can travel by air safely without risking their health. However, you should always check with your GP or heart specialist that you are fit enough to travel by air, particularly if you’ve recently had a heart attack, heart surgery or been in hospital due to your heart condition. 

If you’re given the go ahead to take a holiday that involves air travel and think you’ll need assistance at the airport terminal or during the flight, let the airport or airline know in advance. This may include help with your luggage or early boarding to the plane. 

If you are flying through times zones, it may be difficult to keep to your pattern of taking your medicines. Take them as normal on the day you travel and then 12 hours later or as prescribed until you get used to your environment. Speak to your GP or practice nurse about how best to deal with this. If you need to, it’s safe to use your glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray while on the plane. 

Am I safe to walk through airport security scanners?

Scanning devices and metal detectors should not cause a problem. If you have a pacemaker or an ICD, you should take your device identification card with you and tell the airport staff you have a device inserted.  

If you have an ICD, you can ask for a hand search instead. If a hand-held metal detector is used, it should not be placed directly over your device.

Am I at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Travelling can be tiring and long journeys can increase your risk of developing a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This typically develops in the lower limbs. 

For most people the risk of developing DVT while travelling by air is very low. However, if you’ve had DVT before or recent surgery then your risk of developing DVT is higher and you should speak with your doctor before travelling anywhere by air. They may recommend you wear support stockings for the flight, make sure they are the right size for your leg and calf measurement. 

To help reduce your risk of a DVT you should:

• Walk up and down the aisles in the airplane every hour or when it is safe to do so, especially during long-haul flights.
• Do some simple exercises in your seat, like stretching your legs and circling your ankles.
• Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• If you have been put on a daily fluid restriction, check how much you can drink during your flight with your GP or heart specialist.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine during the flight.

If you’re considered to be at high risk of developing DVT, an injection to reduce the risk of blood clots may be prescribed by your doctor.  You should not take aspirin or any other medicines to thin the blood without speaking to your doctor first. If you take aspirin regularly on prescription, you should continue to take this as normal.

Content sourced from the British Heart Foundation (bhf.org.uk).