Going on roller coasters after having two stents

[Willie3651]

Hi I'm 50 year o!d have had 2 stents fited last week . My son and I love roller coasters and have booked 3 days at alton towers in July .

How long do you have to wait after getting the stents. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[lisburb]

Hi I don't have an answer for you but will be interested to see what answers others give. I asked my Consultant the same question last December but unfortunately we were both distracted by a bird slamming into the window, so I never got my answer. We are planning a trip to Florida in the next few years and I wanted to know if it would affect our love of going on the rollercoasters and water rides as they are such an adrenalin rush.

[Haylsnewc]

Me too, I’d like to know the answer!

[Aikenhead]

We had same scenario and actually should be packing right now to head for disneyworld, booked prior to my husbands heart attack in November. Our doctor gave full permission for all rides, and long distance flight, being 6 months later, but our insurance company decided my husband wouldn't be covered as there were heart warnings on rides...and if you look, there are warnings even on the tomorrow land speedway! So, once we had decided it was too far and too expensive to go there for a sunny walk and cancelled our trip, the insurance then wrote to advise they had changed their mind and we could go ahead after all...too late though, but also that they would not insure us at all now, if we rebooked, as this was a new reported 3 stent procedure. But at least we felt the decision had been made for us at that time, as insurance is so vital (and now VERY expensive!) for America. But at the end of the day, it is retaining health that is uppermost, which is why we are all so concerned about this decision. We had actually been at disneyworld last year with the family and my husband rode every one of them then, totally unaware he had potential life threatening blockages lurking within, so we consider ourselves very very lucky indeed. So from now, I think he will have to rely on the memories, and if we do go back again, he will be the one holding the bags! !

We asked various medical people, even the rehab exercise team, but nobody could give precise yes or no advice re what to ride. For us, I don't think we would have risked the biggies, but we still didn't get definitive permission re the simulated ones like Flight of Passage, which would be very hard to resist, so I am pretty sure I personally would only relax once I was back home!!! But maybe that's just ME!!!!

So, torremolinos...here we come! Bit of a come down for our golden wedding treat though! But truly thankful to have the opportunity after such trauma.

Looks like it will end up a truly personal decision for you, as health insurance nothing like the same issue in UK, unless given total NO from medics.

[Helen_BHF]

Hi Willie3651 , interesting question! I'd like to know too - i'll flag this with our cardiac nurses and see if they can help.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

There have been similar questions before on here, though more in terms of riding a rollercoaster with an ICD. Here are the links, though, in case there's anything useful in the replies. Good luck!

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Willie 3651,

This question is notoriously difficult to answer( I've been asked it many times)- hence all the comments! I would always check with your GP /cardiologist as they are primarily responsible for your care and know your background and medical history. As these rides give such a huge adrenaline rush,everyone is different so it really is impossible to give a yes you can/ no you can't answer! So, in theory, it's not the amount of time since the procedure,but your body's response to the activity. I believe there is always a safety notice by each ride. They really are there for the public benefit. I/they would hate you to feel unwell afterwards!

If you have had a chance to enrol on a cardiac rehab programme,perhaps ask the team too, as, although they will probably say the same,will have a blood pressure/pulse reading to ensure your medication isn't causing any potential for either to react dramatically to the rides.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you,with my feet firmly on the ground!

I hope I've helped

Take Care,

Philippa

[Willie3651 in reply to Philippa_BHF]

Thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Rollers coasters stress people in two ways; by 'g' forces up to~5G and by fear. This is why they carry warning notices about pregnancy, heart issues and back problems. During a typical ride a person's pulse could increase by up to 100bpm. This could trigger an irregular rhythm leading to a heart attack. Whilst this may not be an issue to someone who has had stents/bypass/valve surgery some months previously where a pacemaker is fitted or there are issues with an irregular heart beat this would be very dangerous! Anyone with a heart issue needs to check with their GP/cardiologist first as there maybe other factors affecting heart health. Insurance is another issue - if you get the OK and want the experience try Alton Towers or Blackpool!

[Willie3651 in reply to MichaelJH]

We have got 3 days booked at Alton towers as my 10 year old hasn't done any of the coasters there yet, we have done every other one in the UK . Apart from alton towers and the new ikon at Blackpool pleasure beach. That is after going on the zip line in Wales but looks like I will need to give that a miss my son said that's ok dad I can go on it twice LOL

[emmalino]

Hi did you go on the rollercoasters?

[Willie3651 in reply to emmalino]

Yes and didn't have any problems and been on many more

[emmalino]

Thats good to know, thank you. Glad you're okay. My heart nurse said she'd never been asked that and wasn't sure. I have 2 stents too. Both together as a bridge as they cut my artery by mistake, wasn't a big issue, it happens and ultimately it was all to save my life so I'll be forever grateful.