Not every vacation is good for the heart – a cardiologist advises how to plan a safe vacation

Summer vacations are a great opportunity to regenerate the body – even for people with hypertension and other heart conditions. However, to ensure your vacation doesn't harm your health, you need to carefully plan your destination, travel method, and activities. Dr. Bartłomiej Orlik, a cardiologist at American Heart of Poland, discusses how to relax sensibly and with care for your circulatory system.

Although vacations are often associated with relaxation, for people with cardiovascular problems, they also have health benefits. A relaxing break can help reduce stress levels, stabilize blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. The key is a well-planned trip and a sensible approach to weather conditions and activities.

People with hypertension should avoid trips to high mountains, especially those above 3,000 meters above sea level. At such altitudes, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure can worsen well-being.

High temperatures, in turn, cause blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. People taking vasodilators may experience excessive blood pressure drops, leading to dizziness and even fainting. Therefore, it's worth taking a blood pressure monitor on vacation and measuring your blood pressure as regularly as you would at home.

High temperatures and sun exposure are especially dangerous for people with heart failure and hypertension. "High temperatures can cause overheating and dehydration," warns a cardiologist. Some medications can further exacerbate heat-related symptoms, such as skin redness, swelling, and weakness.

It's best to avoid the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., stay in the shade, and drink plenty of water. A good way to cool down is to gradually immerse yourself in water, for example, by swimming in the sea or a lake.

A seaside holiday can bring many benefits to people with heart disease. Sea air contains iodine and trace elements that positively impact the respiratory system.

Beach walks are also moderate physical activity – ideal for people who need to avoid strenuous activity but want to stay fit.

While beautiful and healthy for many, the mountains can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or heart failure. Mountain exertion can be too intense, especially for patients taking beta-blockers, who have a limited ability to raise their heart rate.

An additional threat is posed by rapid weather changes – a sudden drop in pressure or strong wind can cause headaches, shortness of breath, and even chest pain.

Air travel is not contraindicated, but people with heart conditions should exercise caution. Air pressure is lower than at sea level, which can affect blood pressure. Therefore, it's worth:

• move regularly during the flight,
• stretch your legs,
• drink water.

Before a long flight, it is worth consulting a doctor who can adjust your treatment for the duration of your trip.

• Hydration: drink frequently, in small sips; preferably water, herbal teas and vegetable juices (e.g. tomato, beetroot, chokeberry).
• Diet: avoid fatty foods, grilled sausages, pork neck, red meat, fast food and highly processed products.
• Alcohol: best to avoid – it can destabilize blood pressure and cause dehydration.
• Bathing: enter the water gradually to avoid a sudden increase in pressure.