4 Tips for Travelling With High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a common chronic health condition worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the number of adults aged 30–79 years with hypertension has increased from 650 million to 1.28 billion in the last thirty years.
Chances are, you or someone you love may have high blood pressure which requires a little extra planning when travelling.
What is Hypertension
The Mayo Clinic explains that high blood pressure is when the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high. This is determined by your blood pressure reading given by your doctor.
Most people may not realize they have high blood pressure until they visit their doctor. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and blood clots. However, it can be easily detected and diagnosed by doctors so you can receive proper treatment.
Is it Safe to Travel With High Blood Pressure?
Travelling with high blood pressure is completely possible, especially because it’s a treatable health condition. While you may want to take some extra precautions, driving or flying with high blood pressure is typically okay unless your doctor advises against it.
Tips for Travelling With High Blood Pressure
1. Stay Hydrated
It’s especially important for people with high blood pressure to stay hydrated when travelling - and in particular flying. Avoid alcohol or caffeine prior to or during your flight to avoid becoming dehydrated. Also, stay away from snacks or airline food packed with sodium (which can increase your blood pressure).
2. Mitigate Risks
When travelling with pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to take precautions to mitigate any risks. If you have hypertension, this includes packing the proper medication and equipment if needed.
Depending on your condition, this could include bringing a portable blood pressure monitor or also things like compression socks that can help keep you more comfortable at high altitudes. Talk with your doctor to find out how you can make your travel plans better for your condition.
3. Move Around Regularly
If you’re flying, make sure to move around the cabin regularly. This is especially true if you have a long flight or even a long drive ahead of you. The National Blood Clot Alliance provides some easy seated exercises and stretches you can do to help manage your blood pressure while travelling.
4. Invest in Travel Insurance
And last but not least, make sure to invest in the right travel insurance for your needs. If you’re planning to travel to Canada there are three kinds of (emergency medical) insurance policies you can purchase. However, one category is only suitable for travellers with certain types of pre-existing medical conditions, not individuals with hypertension.
Finding travel insurance with high blood pressure is easier when you know where to look. At BestQuote Travel Insurance, we can help you find the best travel insurance coverage for your needs - including if you have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure.
Have peace of mind on your next trip to Canada. Get a quote for Visitors to Canada Insurance today.