Visit Your Physician 2 To 4 Weeks Before Your Trip
The easiest and most reliable way to determine whether traveling poses a threat to your health is to talk to your GP. You may need to have several tests to adjust the dose of your blood pressure medications.
It is particularly important to check your ECG, blood test results and perform other diagnostic tests if you had a heart attack or stroke less than a year ago in addition to high blood pressure.
What Is Important To Know About Aircraft Disinsection
If you are traveling internationally, you should be aware that, in some countries, aircraft passenger compartments are sprayed with insecticide while passengers are on board. This is done to prevent the importation of mosquitoes and other insects from one country to another. While the World Health Organization has determined these procedures to be safe, they may aggravate certain health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and certain respiratory disorders.
Countries where disinsection generally takes place include those in Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, and the South Pacific regions. For more information about disinsection procedures, contact your travel agent or airline.
Tips For Making Air Travel More Comfortable And More Safe
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Carry medicines in your carry-on luggage and keep all medicines in their original bottles. Before you leave, discuss with your doctor whether you should change medicine dosages, particularly if you will be crossing time zones and your eating and sleeping schedules will change when you reach your destination. Be sure to bring enough medicines that will last longer than the planned trip in case you experience any delays along the way.
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If you have diabetes, epilepsy, or any other chronic condition which could need emergency medical attention, carry a notification and identification card with you. Have the name and phone number of your healthcare provider with you, as well as a list with names and dosages of all your medicines. Call the Transportation Security Administration at least 72 hours before your flight if you will need special assistance at security screening checkpoints.
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Be sure to drink plenty of nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverages, and water to prevent dehydration. Remember, the air in airplanes is very dry.
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How Flying Can Affect Your Blood Pressure
At high altitudes even in a pressurised aircraft cabin the oxygen is diluted. That leads to swelling and forming of blood clots, which may increase the risk of hypoxia in people with high blood pressure.
As airplane food is often salty, it might result in increase of blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it is advisable to take a sandwich or some other light home cooked meal. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and sedatives as this can make you sleepy and prone to stay in one position during the flight.
If your doctor has some concerns about the high altitude you can request to rent an oxygen tank from the airplane company. It is important to call them in advance so they can provide you with one. People with high blood pressure are in higher risk to develop deep vein thrombosis. In order to lower the risk you can do the following two things: check your blood pressure level with a blood pressure device and during the flight do some light feet, head and shoulder exercises.
Carry Essential Medicines In Your Hand Luggage
Oxygen levels are always low when a plane takes off. People with hypertension tend to experience unpleasant symptoms during flights. However, having high blood pressure does not stop most people from flying, especially when they take proper precautions. Avoid stress and negative emotions. Listening to your favorite music, reading books, or doing meditation and simple breathing techniques can help you relax.
Pack all your vital medicines in your hand luggage and take them before the flight. This way, you will have immediate access to emergency medication and no problems with checked baggage.
If you have long-term high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend wearing compression socks while flying. We encourage you to follow this advice. Avoid drinking any alcohol before and during the flight.
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Planning And Protecting Your Holiday Abroad
- Remember to check the latest travel advice from the FCDO for your destination. You will have no cover if you choose to travel against FCDO advice, unless that advice relates specifically to Covid-19
- Check any entry requirements and quarantine requirements for your chosen destination
- Choose a Travel Insurance policy that includes Covid-19 Cover
- For information on how Covid might affect your trip, visit our dedicated FAQs page
Is There A Blood Pressure Limit For Flying
There isnt any legally imposed limit as far as were aware, but a high blood pressure must be controlled with medication before you travel for your safety. For example, blood pressure is considered high if over 140/90mmHg, so if your blood pressure is consistently above this value then it is important to reduce it.
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Can I Fly With High Blood Pressure
by Flying Angels Editorial Team | Mar 2, 2022 | News & Resources
An estimated 75 million people live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Most of them can fly with high blood pressure as long as they remember certain safety tips that reduce the risk of any issues while traveling by plane.
The symptoms of high blood pressure can worsen at high altitudes. For example, a person with hypertension might find it more difficult to breathe on a longer flight. However, having hypertension should not become a barrier to flying. Even longer flights are fine if people take the right precautions.
As with other medical conditions such as dementia or traumatic spinal cord injury, those who want to fly with high blood pressure can choose to travel with a flight nurse who provides in-flight medical care and ensures you arrive at your destination safely.
Visitor Insurance For High Blood Pressure Medical Condition
High Blood Pressure is a chronic health problem that needs timely medication to be regulated. If you are a High BP patient planning to travel abroad, the best way to ensure your health is by purchasing Visitor Insurance for High Blood Pressure.
Visitor Guard® is a US-based Insurance Company that offers travel Insurances to people planning a foreign trip. Insurance companies view High blood Pressure as a pre-existing condition. This means your regular Visitors Insurance may or may not cover the expense of treatment for High Blood Pressure.
In such cases, it is necessary to purchase travel insurance with high blood pressure coverage. Visitor Guard® is here to help you find the perfect Visitors Insurance plant that fulfills all your needs. There are various policies now that offer coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure.
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What To Know About Flying With High Blood Pressure
If you suffer from high blood pressure it doesnt mean you cant travel by plane, it just means you have to be cautious. Make sure to stand up and move around the plane when it is safe to do so. Avoid eating salty snacks and consuming alcohol and sedatives.
For many people, a fear of flying means worrying about an unlikely tragic event. But for people with chronic health conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, other concerns come to mind.
When people fly, their bodies are at a much higher altitude than theyre used to. While high altitudes can cause symptoms, like headaches and nausea, these usually occur in people who live in or visit high altitude locations. On an airplane, the pressurization in the cabin prevents most of these symptoms.
People with high blood pressure can certainly travel by plane, especially if they have their condition under control.
You still need to take some precautions, though, if you have high blood pressure and youre considering flying. This article explores the risks and what you need to do to prevent health problems during your flight.
Can You Fly If You Have High Blood Pressure
Travelling and high blood pressure can be a related trouble for those who are having a medical history of hypertension. If you are travelling by air then a general question that arises is that can you fly if you have high blood pressure? Well, there are various cures available and effective medications are there which can really make your travelling experience very pleasurable despite you suffering from blood pressure related problems.
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How To Fly With High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure should not be something that prevents anyone from living a normal life. People with severe uncontrolled hypertension should consult their doctors before planning any plane trips. Additionally, those who take high blood pressure medication need to ensure they pack them and have them easily accessible on their flights. Itâs best to keep all medications in carry on luggage in the cabin when flying, rather than placing them in checked baggage.
Itâs important to drink a lot of water before, during, and after flying. The dry conditions in plane cabins may cause dehydration, which may lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Other tips that may help people flying with high blood pressure include:
See this graphic below for simple exercises anyone can do while flying to prevent blood clots in the legs
Tips For Preventing Jet Lag
Rapid travel across several time zones disturbs normal body rhythm and produces many physical and psychological stresses on the body. Commonly referred to as jet lag, the medical term is “circadian dysrhythmia,” and while this rarely causes any severe problems, you may be uncomfortable for a few days before your body adjusts to your new time zone. The symptoms are usually worse when flying long distances in a west-to-east direction.
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Safe Travel Usa Comprehensive Insurance
Safe Travels USA comprehensive insurance policy provides medical insurance to non-US citizens and non-US residents while visiting the US. The policy offers coverage for covered medical expenses including hospitalization, surgery, physician visits and prescriptions. The plan includes one acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage and one well-check visit per policy. For more details you can review the Brochure
Know about High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the heart against the walls of your blood vessels while it pumps blood into your body. Doctors have determined what the average blood pressure should be, and the levels that are considered to be too high and unhealthy. Blood pressure is measured based on millimeters of mercury .
Two numbers are always used to express blood pressure, such as 120/80 mm Hg. The first number is a measurement of the pressure when your heart beats and the second number is when it rests .
High blood pressure is considered a health risk because of the possible serious health problems that it can cause. These problems include:
- Atherosclerosis
About Dr Ruth Handford
Dr Ruth Handford is a GP with over 10 years’ experience of working in both hospital and primary care. She is particularly interested in caring for the elderly in the community, child health, and family planning. Ruth lives and works in a rural community, and is kept very busy by her job and young family.
Important Information: These travel tips are intended to provide general information to travellers with high blood pressure and do not replace a visit to your doctor or diabetes nurse. If you are planning a holiday you should consult your doctor to ensure that you are fit to travel and discuss any specific health requirements you may have
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Before Travelling With High Blood Pressure
Before you fly, consider visiting your doctor to discuss your travel plans particularly if your blood pressure is unstable.
They will determine whether or not you should fly. This of course an important consideration for your health, but also for your travel insurance as you will need to be determined fit to travel for your policy to be valid.
If your doctor deems it unsafe for you to fly, they still may be able to recommend a better time for you to travel or for you to change your travel plans slightly.
What Time Of Day Or Night Should You Take Your Blood Pressure Medication
A new study reveals that taking your blood pressure medication at night may be more beneficial at reducing your risk of heart and blood vessel disease-related illness or death. Taking medicine at the right time is critical since blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. It rises throughout the day and decreases during the night when we sleep.
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Can I Take A Blood Pressure Monitor With Me When Flying
Yes, you can carry a blood monitor with you in your checked-in luggage. It is unlikely you will need the monitor during your flight, but if your doctor thinks you should have one with you while on board the flight, you should contact the airline to check whether it will be okay to bring the monitor aboard the plane.
Tips For Travelling With High Blood Pressure:
- Buy travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions to cover any high blood pressure related medical costs, should you need treatment while you are away.
- Pack your medication in your hand luggage so that it is easily accessible during travel. Remember to pack extra medicines to cover for any delays or loss.
- Bring your own food as airlines tend to provide snacks with added salt which can increase blood pressure levels
- Avoid alcohol and any medication with a sedative effect they can make you less active during a flight.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Carry written information on your medication and dosages, along with contact information on who to contact in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Please note: The materials in this post are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The article does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or have questions on the topics raised in this article, please consult your doctor.
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Always Consult Your Own Doctor Before Travelling With High Blood Pressure
These travel tips are intended to provide general information to travellers with high blood pressure and do not replace a visit to your doctor . If you are planning a holiday you should consult your doctor to ensure that you are fit to travel and discuss any specific health requirements you may have.
Flying With High Blood Pressure
It is safe to fly with high blood pressure if it is well controlled. However, you may experience some discomfort during your flight such as an earache. Your blood pressure is likely to rise as well, but this is normal. If your blood pressure is unstable or very high, then you should talk to your doctor before flying.
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Healthy Considerations During Air Travel
Air travel has become so commonplace, that many people think of it as routine as taking the bus was in years past. However, particularly on longer flights, air travel may pose some discomforts you should be aware of. The following are tips, which are especially useful for those traveling internationally, those who may be on airplanes for long periods of time, or passengers crossing multiple time zones.
Tips For Travelling With High Blood Pressure
When you have high blood pressure, travel insurance is a great idea, but there are also other things you should remember before you go.
- Give yourself plenty of time to make the journey less stressful.
- Stay near the airport the night before your flight, and check in nice and early so you can be relaxed before you get on the plane.
- Put the medication youll need for the journey in your hand luggage, remembering to add a little extra in case ofdelays. If its not too bulky, aim to put it all in your hold baggage, where you can be sure it wont get lost or crushed. Dont count on getting your medication while youre away chemists may not have any, or they may be closed where you are going.
- Move around on the plane to help your circulation and reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. High blood pressure is linked to this condition.
- You should also avoid eating salty food on the plane try bringing your own snacks or asking the airline for an alternative. And avoid alcohol, which will make you sleepy and stop you moving around.
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Benefits Of Visitor Insurance For High Blood Pressure
Traveling is a hectic activity, especially for patients with chronic diseases like High Blood Pressure. Healthcare in the US is pretty expensive, and acute onset of the pre-existing condition or any other accident requires immediate medical treatment. This treatment may leave a hole in your pocket if you do not purchase high blood pressure travel insurance in advance.