GP reveals ONE unexpected travel tip every heart patient must know

A GP is urging millions of Brits with heart conditions not to let their diagnosis hold them back from exploring the world, but to travel smarter instead.

With 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or recovering from a heart attack, travel can feel daunting.

However, according to Dr Asimah, a medical expert at travel insurance provider Staysure, thoughtful preparation—not cancellation—is the key to safe and enjoyable holidays. If you have a well-controlled and stable heart or circulatory condition, and you feel well, it’s usually okay to go on holiday.

And her most unexpected piece of advice?

“For each trip create an emergency medical card translated into your destination’s language and keep it with you at all times.”

“It may sound simple,” says Dr Asimah, “but this one small step can be genuinely life-saving. In a medical emergency abroad, language barriers can delay critical care. Having your conditions, medications, and emergency contacts clearly written in the local language ensures medical teams can act quickly and appropriately.”

Dr Asimah shares her top medical tips for travelling with a heart condition:

Always check with a travel health specialist or cardiologist before you go

“Always consult a travel health specialist or your cardiologist before booking a trip, particularly if it involves a long-haul flight, high altitudes, or a hot climate. They can assess whether you’re fit to travel and provide medical advice tailored to your condition.”

Create an emergency card translated into your destination’s language

“Write down your medical conditions, medication names and emergency contacts, and have it translated into the language of your destination using Google Translate or a translator app. You can keep this in your wallet or phone case. This could be the difference between getting emergency treatment quickly or facing language barriers and potentially serious delays.”

 Bring extra medication and take pictures of it

“Make sure you pack enough medication to last the entire trip, with extra in your hand luggage to cover unexpected delays. Don’t put it all into one suitcase divide the medication up into different bags.  It’s also worth taking clear photos of your prescription slips and medication. If your bags do go missing, this simple step can help you quickly get replacements while away”

Find a travel insurance policy and declare your condition

“Many standard policies do not automatically cover pre-existing heart conditions. That’s why choosing a provider that specialises in covering pre-existing medical conditions will give you real peace of mind with the protection you need. Always declare your medical history when purchasing travel insurance for heart conditions. Many people don’t realise that failing to do so can invalidate your cover if you need to make a claim”  

Use an app to manage time zones

“When travelling across time zones, use a medication tracking app or set phone alarms to stay on schedule, particularly for essential drugs like blood thinners or beta-blockers.”

Move regularly during long journeys

“For people with certain heart conditions, being sedentary for long periods, such as flights or unexpected delays, can raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Remember to exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly by rotating them while sitting in your seat. Try to walk up and down the aisle every hour when it’s safe to do so, and ensure you have enough space to stretch your legs. If you feel comfortable doing so, it’s helpful to inform relevant flight staff of your condition and needs.”

Dr Asimah also reveals which conditions need special travel planning:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF): “AF increases your risk of having a stroke, especially if you become dehydrated or stressed. Always keep your anticoagulants with you, and don’t skip or double up on doses due to time zone confusion.”
• Heart Failure: “Extreme heat, long walking distances, and high altitudes can cause fatigue and breathlessness. Stick to cooler climates, request airport assistance in advance, and pace your days carefully.”
• Post-Heart Attack: “If you’ve had a recent heart attack, delay travel until your cardiologist clears you. When it comes to flying, fitness to fly varies on a case-by-case basis. You should consult with your specialist to determine when it is safe for you to fly. This decision will depend on factors such as the severity of your heart attack, any complications, the length of the flight, and whether you’re travelling alone. If they declare you not fit to fly, you will not be covered by your travel insurance”
• Pacemakers and ICDs: “If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), bring your device identification card with you. Airports have many pacemaker and ICD patients who pass through every year, and the security staff are trained and familiar with the precautions required for the equipment used.

At the airport, show security your ID card. They should then carry out a hand search. Advise them to avoid using the wand (detector) and walkthrough scanners, as these devices can interact with your device in rare cases.”

Dr Asimah finishes by recapping that “I hope this serves as a reminder that a heart condition doesn’t mean life has to be on pause. With the right planning, the world is still yours to explore.”