Summer Travel Heart Health Tips From the American Heart Association

Summer travel season brings road trips, beach getaways, and family reunions — but for people living with heart disease, stroke, or other chronic health conditions, heading away from home requires some extra preparation. The American Heart Association is offering summer travel heart health tips to help patients and their families stay safe while on the move.

Dr. Joy Lincoln, a Milwaukee American Heart Association board member affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin, says the season ahead looks bright for most travelers — but complexity increases for those managing ongoing health needs.

“As we look forward to summer, many people will be traveling to spend treasured time with family and friends, or maybe just to enjoy some relaxation on the beach,” Lincoln said. “It’s not always that simple for people who have chronic health conditions that require multiple medications or special medical equipment. There are also considerations for how to maintain your health and not put yourself at increased risk.”

Lincoln added that travel is not off limits for people with chronic conditions. Thoughtful planning ahead of departure can significantly reduce stress and set the stage for a successful trip.

Before booking flights or packing bags, the American Heart Association recommends speaking with a primary care physician or specialist about travel plans and any related health considerations. A provider can outline restrictions or precautions specific to a patient’s condition.

Travelers should carry a complete list of all medications, including dosages and pharmacy contact information, along with copies of key medical records and emergency phone numbers. Having that documentation on hand can be critical if a health issue arises far from home.

Medications should be clearly labeled and packed in quantities sufficient for the entire trip, plus a few extra days as a buffer. Travelers crossing multiple time zones should work with their health care provider in advance to adjust medication schedules accordingly.

Some medications require refrigeration. Before departing, travelers should research how to transport those drugs through airport security and confirm that lodging will have refrigeration available. Failing to plan for temperature-sensitive medications can create serious complications mid-trip.

Busy airports present their own set of challenges. Travelers with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may need to request a special security screening rather than walking through a standard checkpoint. For anyone who finds long terminal walks taxing, requesting a wheelchair or courtesy cart at the time of booking can ease that burden considerably.

Long flights carry an added risk: blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The American Heart Association recommends wearing compression socks during extended flights and walking the cabin when it is safe and permitted to do so. Both measures support healthy circulation during hours of limited movement.

Many airports also offer CPR kiosks where travelers can learn Hands-Only CPR techniques while waiting at their gate — a resource worth seeking out before or between flights.

Passengers who use a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility assistance should contact their airline, cruise line, bus, or rail carrier in advance to arrange proper transport of those devices. Each carrier has its own policies, and sorting out the details before travel day prevents last-minute complications at check-in or boarding.

Knowing the symptoms of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest is always important, but it is especially critical when traveling away from familiar medical resources. If symptoms appear, calling 911 remains the right first step regardless of location. Travelers heading abroad should also research local emergency numbers and the nearest medical facilities at their destination.

“Every individual’s condition is unique, and you’ll want to tailor your travel plans to your specific needs,” Lincoln said. “By taking a little time now to plan and prepare, your vacation can be just what the doctor ordered to help you unwind and recharge.”

The American Heart Association has compiled additional guidance for travelers managing cardiovascular conditions, including information on traveling with heart disease and planning for high-altitude activities. A medication tracking chart is also available to help patients organize prescription information before departure.

More information on healthy travel is available at Heart.org.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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