Summer travel season is in full swing, and health experts say packing lists should include more than sunscreen and swimsuits.
The American Heart Association is reminding vacationers that busy itineraries, long flights and irregular routines can take a toll on cardiovascular health, especially for people managing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
According to the organization, up to 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes, a statistic that public health officials say underscores how much control people have over their own risk, even while on the road.
Why Travel Can Be Hard on the Heart
Vacations often disrupt the habits that keep hearts healthy. Sleep schedules shift, meals become less predictable, and exercise routines fall by the wayside.
Add in the stress of navigating airports, unfamiliar cities or long car rides, and the body can end up under more strain than people realize.
For travelers who take daily medications, time zone changes can also make it easy to miss a dose or take one late, which can be a problem for anyone managing blood pressure or cholesterol.
Simple Habits That Make a Difference
Health experts suggest a few basic steps to protect the heart without slowing down the fun. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest, since dehydration can strain the cardiovascular system, particularly during flights or hot weather activities. Travelers are also encouraged to keep moving; even something as small as walking through an airport terminal or taking the stairs instead of an elevator can help.
Packing medications in a carry-on bag, rather than checked luggage, is another tip doctors often repeat, since delayed or lost bags can mean missed doses. Setting a phone alarm to match a regular medication schedule, even across time zones, can help keep things on track.
Eating on the go is another common challenge. While it is not realistic to eat perfectly while traveling, choosing water over sugary drinks and looking for a few balanced options at airports or rest stops can add up over the course of a trip.
Finally, health officials recommend knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke before leaving home, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sudden numbness or difficulty speaking. Knowing these signs, and having a plan for finding medical care in an unfamiliar place, can make a real difference in an emergency.
The American Heart Association says the goal is not to add stress to a vacation, but to make heart health part of the routine, so travelers can enjoy their trips while still taking care of themselves.
