Hi, So just before I was diagnosed with unstable angina I was supposed to be going to Disney with my family.
I had a cardiac stent inserted and am on the usual medication. Trying to understand if I rebooked whether I could go on the 'big rides' or whether I'd be stuck holding the bags whilst the kids went on.
Anybody know?
Cheers
I suggest you investigate your travel insurance situation before you make any commitments.
With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. My understanding is no, it would not be safe for you to go on thrill rides, unfortunately: I have a relatively benign heart condition (a mild arrhythmia) and was advised the warnings applied to any cardiac issue. This is because thrill rides cause rapid spikes in heart rate and blood pressure due to the release of adrenaline. That in turn can potentially trigger arrhythmias, possible heart attacks, and also increases the risk of stroke in those with underlying cardiovascular conditions. If you were to go on a ride carrying a heart warning (and all thrill rides have these warnings placed before boarding), and had a cardiac event, or even just needed to attend hospital to get checked out, I suspect it would also likely invalidate your medical insurance. Assuming by Disney you mean the US, just a ride to the nearest ER in an ambulance in Florida could easily set you back $3000 or more. Not including any treatment they might give you en route, or tests at the hospital. You don’t want to get caught a cropper anywhere, but out of pocket medical costs in the US in particular are absolutely eye watering.
As a previous adrenaline junkie and diehard rollercoaster fan I was gutted at not being able to go on rides anymore (in my case it’s not just the arrhythmia that means I can’t ride, now), but I took my daughter to do Florida in 2018 and still had a brilliant time. Yes, I was basically just the bag man and the bank account, but I found there’s a lot to be said for not standing in queues for hours. Warmth, sunshine, nice surroundings. Could still enjoy some of the milder rides and the experiences, plus the parades. I got to talk to some interesting people, and the child still had an amazing time.
It all depends really. I'd say most Disney rides don't really pull much G force compared to some of the rides at Universal. And of course it will depend on what is wrong with your heart. If I had arrhythmias, a leaky valve or reduced heart function I wouldn't go on a fast ride. The ride operators of course will err on the side of caution so will warn you off.
The same is true of hot tubs (jacuzzis) etc. where there are always signs warning those with heart disease and pregnant women - to give the operators some cover against negligence claims.
After six stents I went on several of the hardest rides at universal last year with no ill effects, but then I have normal EF, no arrhythmias, angina or valve issues. I get to level 5 on a Bruce stress test.
However due to my anti-platelet medicine which mskes me bleed easily I would not currently undertake sporting activity where I might bang my head or suffer a deep cut or be significantly far from a medical facility. It's all perception of risk really.
It's an interesting question as to whether it invalidates travel insurance or not. I'd says it's arguable especially if your heart function is measurably normal. Next time I see my cardiologist I will ask.
Dear Dthompson74
A warm welcome to you from the forum, I hope that it can give you the answers and support that many have received from it.
Well at first you question seems a little selfish as you would be surrounded by your loved ones that would be worried stupid if you were to ride on one of the big rides.
And who could blame them? are you willing to put them through that just for the sake of a ride through Magic Mountain?
I think that you have already answered your own question and know that you wouldn't do this to them or yourself.
And what is wrong with holding the bags? you are alive and with your loving family/friends a situation that could have been so different or don't you realise that yet and are still in denial of what your heart and you have gone through ?
You cannot step anywhere in America without a warning sign stating who can and who can't ride this or that for a host of reasons, cardiac problem will be at the top of that list.
Take care and its fantastic that you want to have a "normal" life, but that can make a mockery of all the worry that you and your loved ones have been though to get you to this point.
I hope that I haven't been to hard with my answer and at the end of the day it is only my thoughts, nothing more.
I was refused entry to a "flight simulator " type ride at York Railway Museum because I have heart problems. I also don't frequent anything other than the normal 2D cinema experience!
Hi, I just came back from Paris Disney and I had a triple Bypass 3 years ago. Some rides clearly indicate when you are at the entrance to ride that if you have a heart condition don't go. I decided not to take a chance just in case anything happened.
For the first year, people with new stents are at a risk of:
-in stent thrombosis
- restenosis
The risks are lower with the drug-eluding stents and dual-anti platelet drugs, but there is still a small risk. This is why the cardiac rehab team tells people to take things easy for the first year.
health.harvard.edu/heart-he...
Triggers for MI/myocardial infarction or heart attack include stressful events as well as emotions, both positive and negative among others. That is one of the things TV programs have portrayed correctly, the person having a heart attack during sex or during an emotional period.
Those are the risks, you can choose.
Paper describing the risks
This is very similar to a concern I have. I'm hoping my new valve means I'm all fixed and no different to anyone who is '100%'. But I will check with the Heart Failure nurse before going. I mean, I want to do Big Thunder Mountain but also aware my heart may still he enlarged and EF diminished. I don't do the really hardcore thril rides though.
Hi Dthompson. We returned back from a trip to Florida last month. My Husband had a massive STEMI in February this year with one stent. As previous people have mentioned there are numerous warnings at the start of each ride about Heart problems and I’m pretty sure your insurance wouldn’t pay out if you ignored these. We have been very fortunate having travelled to Florida numerous times in the past but we knew this holiday would be different. My Husband did ride a few of the smaller coasters this time including Big Thunder Mountain, as he felt he knew them so well he wouldn’t get much of an adrenaline rush and luckily he was fine. However there is so much at Disney and in the wider Orlando area that you will be able to fully immerse yourself in, regardless of the coasters. The atmosphere alone is magical and there are a number of rides and attractions you can still enjoy. It’s worth getting a Florida guide before you travel or borrowing one from the library to find out nearby places to visit, many of which can be done free or far cheaper than Disney. Epcot is a great way to get your daily steps in! Perhaps consider buying US Disney tickets where you can purchase just a couple of days. Whilst this works out more expensive on an average day rate than the normal 14 day UK day rate it will let you enjoy the experience with a much cheaper overall cost and takes the pressure off feeling you need to go every day to get your monies worth. I hope you and your family have a great time if you choose to go!
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