Do you have heart and/or vascular diseases and are you going on a trip? On this page you will find information to consider before and during your trip.
TRAVELLING WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease is a collective term for various diseases of the heart or blood vessels. In cardiovascular diseases, your heart does not work as it should or your vessels are narrowed, so oxygen is not transported properly to all parts of the body.
Some tips for travelling with cardiovascular disease:
- Consider using supplemental oxygen when flying. Discuss this with your doctor/specialist;
- Consult your doctor/specialist if you want to travel to high altitudes. You may be prescribed medication for extra support;
- Do you have heart and/or vascular diseases and are you travelling to a (sub)tropical area? Then being well prepared is extra important. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl can help you with this;
- Preferably book an appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl at least six weeks before departure.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND VACCINATIONS
Besides the standard vaccinations recommended for your destination, we also recommend getting the flu vaccination annually.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND MALARIA
Are you taking medication for cardiovascular disease? Malaria tablets may interact with other medication. In case you need malaria tablets during your trip, it is advisable to check with your doctor or a traveller’s nurse/doctor first.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA
If you suffer from traveller’s diarrhoea, the body loses more fluids than normal and there is a risk of dehydration. The use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists and NSAIDs increases the risk of kidney damage in dehydration, especially if these drugs are used in combination.
If you have had watery stools more than three times within eight hours, the dosage of these drugs should be reduced or use should be discontinued. We recommend consulting a doctor at your travel destination. It is also advisable to discuss this with your doctor before travelling.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND TYPHOID FEVER
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi that spreads through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The risk of infection is increased in people with heart or vascular prostheses, as they are more susceptible to infection and may develop complications if they become infected. For example, it can lead to inflammation of the heart valves. It is therefore wise to get vaccinated against typhoid fever before departure to reduce the risk of infection and prevent any complications.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND ALTITUDE SICKNESS
If you have cardiovascular disease, you may develop heart problems faster and more often at high altitude even if the same level of exercise at sea level would not cause problems. Before travelling at high altitude, consult your doctor first. Do you have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS)? If so, we recommend using medication throughout your stay above 1600m. If you use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask at home, we advise against travelling to high-altitude areas. If you do want to stay at high altitude, always take your CPAP device with you.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND ANTIBIOTICS IN CASE OF TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA
Are you taking digoxin? If so, consult with your doctor about the use of antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice, you can use the button below, email via info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.