If you are a globe trotter and just being diagnosed with hypertension, do not get anxious about your future travel endeavours as there are many precautionary measures that can keep you away from any health related troubles while travelling.
If your blood pressure levels are well controlled and you are under regular medication, travelling will not be a barrier because of having hypertension. Travelling by air can be a trouble as often people find it difficult handling the higher altitudes as the blood pressure levels increase. Here are few useful tips for the patients having hypertension and need to travel frequently –
Do not Hurry and go Early
The main cause for high blood pressure levels is stress and this happens quite naturally during travelling as you might be worrying about the security checks and other formalities that you need to complete before boarding the train / flight. Arrive to the station / airport much ahead of time so that the deadlines don’t cram up on you! If it’s a hopping journey and you need to stay overnight at some location then consider the boarding that is actually close to the terminal. If the train / flight is very early, consider staying at a lodging that is very close to the airport / station so that you don’t need to hurry at the last hour to grab a cab or public transport.
Visit the Doctor before you make Travel Plans
If you already have hypertension, the best idea is to visit the doctor beforehand and get the blood pressure levels checked. Once you get the assurance of safety, plan the travel. If your blood pressure levels are unstable and high, and travelling is essential ask for the medications that would be needed during emergencies.
Carry Medications
To keep the blood pressure levels well controlled, having medicies regularly is very important. When you are travelling, this is a MUST and you should carry all the medicines in extra doses so that you have it handy – in case your travelling days get extended or you lose any of them. Carry medications in two sets and keep a note on where you are keeping them.
Do not Sit at One Place for Long
In hypertension, patients usually get blood clots on their legs if they are sitting at one place for long. During travel, this is inevitable, but you can avoid this occurrence by moving around the train / plain after every 20-30 minutes. Do not keep your legs in one position for long and keep shifting the poses; this will help you to avoid symptoms of hypoxia. Also do not dross your legs or flex the limbs.
Avoid Salty Snacks
The food stores in a station and airplane authorities will serve you with an assortment of snacks – but beware of your health condition and avoid salty snacks strictly. Salt will encourage swelling of your blood vessels and limbs, also fluid retention and thereby increase blood pressure.
Carry Ice Packs
Pain and swelling are common symptoms in hypertension patients; thus it is wise to carry ice packs while travelling to relieve the aches, pain and swelling while you are on the higher altitudes.
If you have hypertension, you might also feel difficulty in breathing, bloating and swelling during travel. This can even damage the blood vessels of your kidneys. As the blood rushes through the kidney blood vessels and the organ is unable to eliminate waste and fluids from your body. It is wise to inform the rail / airplane authorities about your health condition and also explain them the medications that are prescribed. This will help them to handle emergencies. Make sure the authorities have oxygen facilities if your condition is not that stable.
