Travelling with Afib

[Tab1966]

Hello all. I've had 3 episodes of paroxysmal afib, each time reverting back to sinus rythym in a few hours.

I've had a normal 24hr monitor and echocardiogram, but I do have pre-existing CAD with 5 stents.

Since the 1st episode I've taken edoxoban and my bisoprolol has been increased from 5mg to 6.25mg to 7.5mg and now to 10mg following the most recent episode.

I havent actually seen a consultant about the Afib only A&E doctors. Ive not had any conversations with a specialist about managing episodes or possible medications, but am awaiting an appointment. In short I feel very in the dark. My GP says to go to the hospital if the episodes dont resolve within 45 minutes.

My question is about travel. Im scared to fly in case I have an episode and Im worried about travelling anywhere even slightly remote for the same reason. And I wouldnt be happy going anywhere a long distance from a hospital.

Ive no idea what I should be doing in the event of an episode.

Could anyone give me any guidance or share their experiences?

Thanks

[Paulbounce]

Hi Tab. I won't let afib stop me from travelling. I have had PAF a few times abroad and just rode it out.

Make sure of a few things. Have travel insurance / know the location of the nearest hospital from your hotel / take more meds than you need in case of flight delays etc / stay hydrated during the flight / carry meds in your hand luggage.

Yeah, I almost forgot - go and enjoy yourself.

Paul

[Tab1966 in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paulbounce. Really good advice which I'm going to try and follow. Im going to try a trip to europe first to build up my confidence. Statistically, its unlikely that I'll have an episode whilst on holiday as I've managed 2 months since the last one!

[BobD Volunteer]

AF is not life threatening and you should not let it rule your life. Unless you have chest pain or fainting fits A and E should be the last place to go. Travel is fine but plan ahead to avoid too much stress and don't forget to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

As I always say to people would you rather feel sh*t at home or away somewhere lovely? Life is too short!

I would suggests that you ask for a referral to an arrhythmia specialists such as an electrophysiologist for some forward planning though.

[Tab1966 in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD. I had a surprise call from a electrophysiologist today - my existing cardiologist had reviewed my case with him and asked him to call me. During a long conversation, he more or less told me the same thing as you have 😊

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Tab1966]

Gratifyng. lol 😁

[Hidden]

Under normal circumstances I would agree with everything that has been said so far but having read your profile, I think you are right to be cautious, certainly until you have had the opportunity of seeing a consultant who can assess your condition. It would be shame not to enjoy travelling but from what you have said, you are likely to be very anxious whilst away from your “comfort zone” and anxiety does not go well with AF or other heart conditions for that matter. In the current climate, an NHS appointment is likely to be a long wait so if it’s possible, consider a private appointment. If you decide to take that route, make sure you don’t limit your discussions to travel, use it wisely to get a handle on what might be the best treatment plan for you given your history and hereditary issues. I hope you are encouraged to travel and get the opportunity to enjoy yourself……

[Tab1966 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I had a very surprise phone call today from a specialist - my existing cardiologist had discussed me with a colleague who then called me. We had a long conversation and he put my mind very much at rest about travelling as well as what to do during afib episodes and possible future treatment plans. I was very impressed with the service from my local nhs cardiology team - couldn't ask for more really!

[Hidden in reply to Tab1966]

Excellent news Tab, just give yourself as much time as possible to get through the formalities at the airport. Make sure you take more medication than you normally need plus copies of your prescriptions just in case. Keep off the booze, especially on the plane but take loads of water to keep hydrated and provide the need for plenty of exercise with regular trips to the loo. Just in case, check out the location of the medical centres near to where you are staying but most of all, have a WONDERFUL time!!!

[CDreamer]

I travelled extensively with AF and had episodes in cars, boats, trains and planes and it’s not been pleasant but I managed, however, I had seen a specialist, I had a plan and I was a few months along the AF road before I started to travel and if travelling in the US made very sure I had excellent travel/health insurance. Someone on this forum told me when I first joined (2013) I may have AF but it doesn’t have me.

I think it depends upon how comfortable you feel you would be if you did have an episode and how symptomatic that episode was. I have been in parts of the world where obtaining medical help just wasn’t a possibility so just had to cope but I learned to 1) stay very well hydrated 2) carry an electrolyte drink with me 3) learn breathing exercises to manage my anxiety 4) adopted a daily practice of meditation 5) used distraction so I focussed on anything I enjoyed whilst in AF.

I’ve skiied, sailed, walked and swum in AF. The only thing I couldn’t do was walk up hills.

It’s a very personal decision which only you can decide. By the way, my GP told me to only go to A&E if my HR exceeded 150 for any length of time, if I felt very ill with it, felt as though I would black out or had chest pain and before I was on anticoagulants after 48 hours. Things may have changed nowadays but quite honestly, I’ve never been treated on the few occasions I went to A&E so found it a waste of time.

AF is a long road, don’t let it change your life more than absolutely required.

[maisie22 in reply to CDreamer]

hi could you share where you got your health insurance? Thanks!

[Tab1966 in reply to CDreamer]

Wow! I'm so impressed that you've done all those things whilst in Afib! I have loved travelling all over the place in the past, even with CAD, but this Afib has stopped me in my tracks 😕 my confidence has suffered. I had thought that I'd just travel in the Uk for a while - there are lots of great places that I've neglected in favour of travel abroad. But.... Reading the replies on here has made me think again. And, today I spoke to a consultant electrophysiologist who has more or less told me the same thing - go and live your life! He said to only go to A&E if I have chest pain (worse than before), breathlessness or feel faint. Otherwise to sit tight and wait it out.

So, I'm going to take a look at some holiday websites!!

[CDreamer in reply to Tab1966]

enjoy.

[secondtry]

On balance don't travel until at least you have had a private consultation (if funds allow) with a cardiologist.

My reasoning being if you are anxious that could increase the chance of an episode (if vagally mediated) and decrease the benefit/enjoyment of the holiday.

I am a great believer in doing the hard work today to make tomorrow easier.

[Tab1966 in reply to secondtry]

You are so right secondtry - I wouldn't be able to travel abroad without first speaking to a specialist cardiologist. Strangely enough, without going private or indeed asking for anything, I received a call today from such a doctor. He had reviewed my history after my existing cardiologist had asked him to take a look. We had a long and informative conversation and I feel very reassured about the prospect of travelling abroad again. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[LadyLawson]

Tab if you have around £250 to spare go straight to a private cardiologist for a consultation. If you have any test results ask your GP to forward them to him/her. You are unlikely to get a NHS appointment any time soon and you need to find out what’s going on.

[PAP48]

I quite understand your concerns. BUT - I’ve just arrived in Cyprus from UK. Yes I was quite anxious especially as we hadn’t travelled anywhere since before Covid. I made sure I had my meds in my hand luggage (plus extra in case of delays). Plan ahead so there’s little or no stress. The flight didn’t affect my heart in the slightest. However I have seen a cardiologist and carried my ‘pill in the pocket’ in my handbag just in case. I would agree with other comments, please see a cardiologist to make sure all is ok then go and enjoy yourself. That in itself is so good for you. Keep well and safe.

[DKBX]

Headed to Norway from ABQ for two weeks having just been cardioverted on the 19th for the fifth time after the same number of ablations. My cardiac team from Lovelace Heart said the same advice as above but most of all to go live as full a life as possible. I’ll add “in what few years as you have left.” Manage the anxiety either with natural techniques or brain drugs. And take the precautions the folks here already listed. Also … take out good travel insurance. Mine is through Viking where if I need medical help, I have up to $250k to get me home. Enjoy. Relax.Breathe.

[Hanibal]

Your anxiousness is understandable.

I have travelled in Europe quite extensively over the last three years since my AF diagnosis and there are three things that I always do.

1) Use a travel insurer that covers existing conditions ~ AF is very common with travellers.

2) Pack two lots of pills. One carried in my hand luggage and the other in the suitcase. That covers delays etc since I'll have a month's worth one way or the other.

3) Carry my Global Health Insurance card, issued free from UK government.

If you're staying at a decent hotel, they will always call out a doctor for you if you need one.

Thank goodness I've never needed medical help but best to be prepared....

Mike