High blood pressure affects many people, but it need not inhibit you from enjoying your holiday. Lifestyle, diet, and health conditions can be factors in someone’s blood pressure remaining persistently high. Also called hypertension, it can place those with the condition at an increased risk of low oxygen concentration levels in the blood when flying and of developing deep vein thrombosis. However, by taking extra precautions when you fly, alongside maintaining any medication you already take, hypertension should not prevent you from flying. However, you should always consult with your doctor prior to traveling to ensure they deem you fit to fly.
Preparation for the Trip
Flying can be a stressful experience for many, and stress can increase blood pressure levels. By taking a little bit of time to plan your traveling, you can help prevent the pitfalls which may make your flight more stressful. Ensure you have all the essentials you need for your trip well in advance, including blood pressure medication, passports, travel documents, tickets, and currency. Do not leave packing to the last minute and have these essentials packed first.
Leave plenty of time to get to the airport and to check in. Nothing will stress you out on the day more than the prospect of missing the plane. Anticipate the possibility of security, queues, crowds, and possible delays to your flight, things you have no control over. By considering all eventualities, you can reduce potential stress if something beyond your control happens.
Travel Insurance
When buying travel insurance, it is important to declare your high blood pressure, even if it is controlled by medication and you have not experienced any recent negative impact from the condition. If you do not declare high blood pressure and then suffer a medical episode relating to the condition while on holiday, it could become a very costly affair for you. Being a common condition, declaring hypertension controlled with medication should not see your premiums rise very much.
Pack Enough Medication and Then Some
To ensure your blood pressure remains under control while you enjoy your holiday, it is essential to take your medication as normal. Consider how any time zone changes may affect when you take your medicine, but always pack enough to last the duration of the trip. It is also best to pack more than you need in case of emergencies or if you are delayed in returning home. Taking a prepared prescription with you can also be useful just in case you run out for any reason. Speak to a doctor for advice on managing your hypertension medication while away, and check with the airline company that you can take it on board if you will need to take any during the flight.
In-flight
Make sure you get up from your seat and stretch your legs from time to time, especially when on a long-haul flight. There are a number of gentle leg and foot exercises you can do while in your seat to help your blood circulation. You can ask your doctor for advice on such exercises, as they can help reduce the risk of blood clots. To this end, wearing compression socks can help too.
As in-flight eating options can often be high in salt, take your own prepared meal or low-salt snacks with you and drink plenty of water during the flight. Try to avoid alcohol and sedatives as this can see you sleep in one position without movement for an extended period of time.
For that ‘just in case’ scenario, it can be a good idea to have details about your medication and dosage with you. Yet with a little planning and after consulting your doctor, you should still be able to experience a trouble-free flight to the destination of your choice.