Manage High Blood Pressure While Traveling

Manage High Blood Pressure While Traveling

Exploring new places, cultures, events, and experiences through travel can be incredibly rewarding. However, for people with hypertension or high blood pressure, it's important to prioritize health while flying or on the road. The following are a few valuable tips to manage your blood pressure while allowing you to enjoy your adventures fully.

Flying with High Blood Pressure

When people travel by air, they experience higher altitudes than they are used to. Symptoms like headaches and nausea are common at high altitudes, but the pressurized cabin in airplanes helps prevent most of these symptoms.

Potential Risks of Flying with High Blood Pressure

  1. Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Long-term sitting during flights can lower blood circulation, increasing a person's risk of blood clots, particularly in those with high blood pressure. These clots can enter the lungs and induce pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal illness.

  1. Reduced Oxygen Levels in the Cabin

This can strain the heart, potentially raising blood pressure and heart rate, especially in those with high blood pressure.

  1. Dehydration

Airplane cabins have dry air, which can lead to dehydration and exacerbate blood pressure issues. Insufficient fluid intake and dry air can thicken the blood, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently.

Reference: Prolonged Sitting: Hidden Dangers Of This Harmless Activity<!-- --> | OnlyMyHealth. https://www.onlymyhealth.com/hidden-dangers-of-prolonged-sitting-1681986235

What to Consider Before Planning Your Trip

  1. Consider Your Destination:
  • Think about the ways in which certain illnesses could impact your symptoms. For example, intense heat can lead to dehydration, dizziness, or fainting, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure. 
  • Breathlessness may result from the greater physical effort required in hilly or mountainous terrain.
  • Additionally, make sure that facilities like restrooms are available, particularly if you use diuretics and might need to use the restroom frequently.
  1. Accommodation:
  • Ensure your lodging meets your accessibility needs. If you need to avoid stairs or require access to an elevator, consider booking ground-floor rooms. Contact the accommodation in advance to confirm necessary assistance and facilities.
  1. Altitude Sickness:
  • Traveling to high altitudes (5,000 to 11,500 feet above sea level) can increase blood pressure as the body works harder to pump oxygen, leading to heightened levels. To manage risks, limit physical activity to avoid stressing the heart, and don't climb more than 300 meters daily to reduce breathlessness.
  • HIGH ALTITUDE COUNTRIES
    • Peru, Nepal, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, China, Switzerland, Ethiopia

Trip Preparation for person with high blood pressure

  1. Consult your Doctor
  • Visit your doctor and discuss your trip.
  • Review your medication with your doctor.
  • Pack extra medication in your carry-on.
  1. Travel Preparations
  • Check your travel insurance to ensure it covers your condition.
  • Research nearby healthcare facilities at your destination.
  1. Healthy Habits During Travel
  • Drink water and avoid salty snacks.
  • Stretch every 1-2 hours during long journeys.
  • Consume alcohol and caffeine in moderation.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  1. Stress Management
  • Plan your trip carefully to avoid stress.
  • Bring activities to help manage stress.
  1. Monitoring Your Health
  • Consider bringing a blood pressure monitor.
  • Check your blood pressure at pharmacies.
  1. Dietary Considerations
  • Look for low-sodium meal options at your destination.
  • Pack healthy snacks for the trip.
  1. Emergency Preparedness
  • Wear a medical ID and carry your doctor's contact information.

Medication Management

  1. Storing Your Medication:
  • Always carry medications in your carry-on.
  • Pack medications in their original containers with prescription labels.
  • Store at the correct temperature—use cool packs if necessary.
  1. Timing and Dosage:
  • Stick to your medication schedule, adjusting for time zone changes if necessary.
  • Set alarms or reminders to take your medication.

Taking Kids with High Blood Pressure on Vacation

Children of all ages can have high blood pressure, similar to adults. When traveling, treat children with high blood pressure like adults. If your child takes blood pressure medication or has a history of high blood pressure, consult your GP about travel plans.

When to avoid traveling with HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

  • Your blood pressure is consistently over 180/120 mmHg or higher, it is considered a hypertensive emergency. 
  • Recent Hypertensive Crisis (a sudden, severe increase in blood pressure).
  • Recent heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events related to high blood pressure.
  • If high blood pressure has led to signs of organ damage (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or kidney problems).
  • Your blood pressure medication has been adjusted, or you're experiencing unmanaged side effects.
  • You're struggling with managing stress or anxiety, which can exacerbate high blood pressure.
  • Your healthcare provider advises against travel due to concerns about your blood pressure. 

Taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and healthy travel experience while managing high blood pressure is essential. This includes following your medication schedule, being mindful of nutritional choices, maintaining physical activity, remembering the doctor's advice, and keeping stress levels in check. Consulting with your healthcare provider before embarking on your journey is crucial to confirm you're well-equipped for the trip. Prioritizing your health doesn't have to detract from the enjoyment of your travels; instead, it's about finding a balance that allows you to savor every moment safely.

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