Travel often comes with changes in habits, diet and physical activity levels, which can pose certain risks for patients with high blood pressure.
Dr. Pooja Pillai (Internal Consultant, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, India) and Dr. VP Sharma (Director and Senior Cardiology Consultant, Fortis Jalandhar Hospital, India) gave specific instructions to ensure safety for tourists.
According to experts, traveling is safe if your blood pressure is within the recommended range. However, a 2021 study in the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology noted that flying can increase blood pressure due to reduced oxygen concentration and air pressure. For people with blood pressure exceeding 180/120 mmHg, consulting a doctor before flying is mandatory.
In addition, visiting locations over 2,400m (8,000 feet) can strain the cardiovascular system due to oxygen deficiency. Therefore, you need time for your body to adapt.
Medication is a very important factor in controlling high blood pressure. Dr. Pillai advises travelers to always bring enough medication for the entire trip and take precautions for a few more days. Medication must be kept in hand luggage to avoid loss and use alarms to ensure timely drinking when changing time zones. Travelers should also bring a copy of the prescription and a list of medications they are taking.
Regarding diet, Dr. Sharma warns to avoid processed foods, packaged snacks and restaurant meals that contain too much salt. Instead, choose fruits, nuts and simple foods.
Rehydration is extremely important, especially on airplanes or in hot weather, as dehydration can increase blood pressure. However, you need to minimize caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
Experts also say that travel stress can cause sudden high blood pressure. To limit this, tourists should plan a detailed itinerary, avoid rush, get enough sleep and do deep breathing exercises or light walking. It is necessary to bring a medical card clearly stating the condition and emergency contact information.
People with uncontrolled blood pressure, who have had heart attacks, strokes or are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath should postpone walking until their health is stable. For pregnant women with high blood pressure, consulting a doctor is a prerequisite.
