Most people with a heart condition can travel safely for the holidays with a little planning. Pack your medicines and a written list of them, keep moving on long drives and flights, go easy on salt and alcohol, and know the warning signs that mean call 911 wherever you are. If your condition changed recently, check with your heart doctor before you go.
This is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor knows your situation best.
Before you leave Palatka
Talk with your heart team
If you had a recent procedure, a hospital stay, new symptoms or a medicine change, call your doctor's office before booking a long trip. Ask whether it is safe to fly or drive far, and whether anything should be adjusted. The Palatka office at 205 Zeagler Drive can help you plan ahead.
Refill early
Pharmacies keep holiday hours. Refill a week or two early so you do not run short, and bring a few extra days of pills in case your trip runs long.
Make a one-page health sheet
- Your heart conditions and any past procedures
- Every medicine, the dose and when you take it
- Allergies
- Any heart device you have, like a pacemaker or ICD, and your device card
- Your doctor's name and the office phone number
- Your insurance card
Keep one copy in your wallet and give one to a family member. Bring it to every new doctor you see.
Packing your medicines
- Keep pills in their labeled bottles, in your carry-on or purse, never in checked luggage
- If you use nitroglycerin, keep it with you, not in the trunk
- Set phone alarms for dose times, and adjust for time zones if you cross them
- Do not skip blood thinners or rhythm medicines because of a busy travel day
On the road or in the air
Keep your legs moving
Sitting still for hours slows blood flow in your legs and can raise the chance of a blood clot. On a drive up I-95 or across the state, stop every couple of hours to walk around. On a plane, get up and walk the aisle when it is safe, and flex your ankles and calves while seated.
Watch for swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg, especially the calf. Our guide on leg swelling and blood clots explains when to worry.
Drink water, go easy on the rest
Drink water unless you have been told to limit fluids. Go easy on alcohol, which can trigger heart rhythm problems like AFib, and on salty road snacks, which can raise blood pressure and cause swelling.
Pace yourself
Carrying heavy bags, rushing through airports and long days of hosting add strain. Use rolling bags, ask for help and build in rest.
At your holiday destination
Big meals, late nights and stress add up. Keep to your usual medicine schedule, take a short walk after meals, and try to sleep close to your normal hours. If you have heart failure, keep weighing yourself each morning and call your doctor's office about sudden weight gain or new swelling.
When to call 911, wherever you are
- Chest pain, pressure or squeezing
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
- Sudden swelling and pain in one leg with shortness of breath or chest pain
Do not wait until you get home. Show responders your health sheet. Our page on heart attack warning signs is worth sharing with the family before the trip.
When you get back
If anything felt off while you were away, like new palpitations, more shortness of breath, swelling or chest discomfort, call the Palatka office to be seen. If you visited an emergency room out of town, bring the paperwork to your next visit.
FCCI has served Northeast Florida since 2002, with offices in Palatka, Orange Park, Fruit Cove and Jacksonville, and its doctors cover HCA Florida Putnam Hospital 24/7. Older travelers and caregivers can find more tips on our seniors page.
Quick answers
Is it safe to fly with a heart condition?
For many people, yes. If you had a recent heart attack, procedure or hospital stay, or your symptoms are not stable, ask your doctor before you book.
Can I go through airport security with a pacemaker?
Carry your device card and tell the security officer you have a device. Ask your heart team if you have specific questions about screening.
What if I run out of medicine while away?
Call your doctor's office or your pharmacy. Many pharmacy chains can transfer a prescription. Packing extra days of pills helps you avoid this.
Want a heart check before your trip? Call FCCI Palatka at 386.325.2836, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
