Protect Yourself from a Heart Attack on Vacation

Health risks don’t take time off. A growing body of evidence suggests it’s not uncommon to have a heart attack on vacation. So if you have a heart condition, high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure—or a family history of any of these—be mindful of the physical and emotional tolls that traveling or vacationing can take.

There’s no need to forgo your hard-earned R-and-R: Overall, people who take regular vacations are less likely to die from heart attacks, and most people who vacation won’t have one.

Respect your limitations, and don’t overdo it. Drink and eat moderately, and don’t neglect your prescription medications that you normally take.

This post was written by Erik Altman, MD, chief of electrophysiology at Southside Hospital and assistant professor at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

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