Traveling for the Holidays with a Child Who Has a Heart Condition

Whether you're driving a few hours or flying across the country this holiday season, traveling with a child who has a heart condition requires a little extra preparation. It’s normal to have questions about how to make the process safer and more comfortable, and you’re in the right place.

Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and our team at Cardiology Care for Children are experienced in caring for children with congenital heart disease, heart rhythm problems, and more. We offer comprehensive pediatric cardiology at our offices in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana, and here’s how to start preparing for holiday travel.

Understanding how your child’s heart condition might impact travel

Children with heart conditions can have a wide range of diagnoses, from congenital structural defects to autonomic disorders like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Each child’s heart is unique, and so are their needs.

For kids with congenital heart disease, the structure of their heart was altered at birth, and travel plans should include a review of their surgical, medication, and monitoring history. Children with heart rhythm problems may be on antiarrhythmic medications, have pacemakers, or need regular heart rhythm monitoring.

Those with POTS often experience symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat with changes in posture, and long travel days can be particularly challenging. Even children who deal with chest pain unrelated to structural defects may require special planning to identify triggers or manage discomfort while on the road.

How to prepare for holiday travel

1. Talk with your child’s cardiologist before you go

First and foremost, start planning early. Let your cardiologist know your travel dates, destinations, and how you plan to get there. They should review your child’s most recent cardiac status, adjust medications if needed, and provide a letter summarizing their diagnosis and care plan, which can be invaluable if you need medical support away from home.

At Cardiology Care for Children, we offer specialized pediatric cardiology services to support children with complex heart conditions throughout their lives. Dr. Chowdhury and our team partner with families to plan for safe, healthy travel by:

• Reviewing your child’s cardiac status before a trip
• Providing medical documentation, rhythm reports, or device checks
• Recommending travel strategies tailored to your child’s diagnosis
• Helping you manage medications or adjust plans based on your destination or method of travel

Together, we can develop a travel plan that maximizes your child’s safety and gets you where you need to go.

2. Bring a medical summary and supplies

Along with a summary of your child’s diagnosis and care plan, pack a travel medical kit that includes:

• A list of current medications (with both generic and brand names)
• Surgical history, if relevant
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) reports or rhythm monitoring results, if relevant
• Any special equipment (like a portable monitor) or prescriptions

Having these items ready gives your family and any medical providers peace of mind, and ensures quick access to essential information if needed.

3. Prioritize hydration, circulation, and comfort during travel

Long journeys can be stressful on the heart, especially for children with sensitive cardiovascular systems. Help them stay comfortable by dressing them in comfortable clothing without tight waistbands or restrictive shoes. If your child’s cardiologist recommends, compression socks may help circulation.

Encourage movement by taking frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around. Make sure your child stays hydrated, and bring water or low-caffeine drinks along. Avoid salty snacks or high-sugar foods that may worsen dehydration or fluid shifts.

4. Monitor your child’s symptoms closely

During the trip, keep an eye on how your child feels. Watch for signs like increased fatigue, dizziness, fast heart rate, chest discomfort, or swelling. If anything unusual occurs, take it seriously and be prepared to seek care if necessary.

5. Know your destination’s medical resources

Before leaving, identify nearby pediatric cardiology centers or hospitals at your destination. Download or carry contact information, and consider travel insurance that covers medical care for preexisting conditions. This planning makes it easier to act quickly if your child needs attention away from home.

Traveling with a child who has a heart condition can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With proactive planning, strong communication with your cardiology team, and thoughtful preparation, your holiday trip can be safe, fulfilling, and memorable.

If your child has any heart-related diagnosis and you're planning to travel, reach out to Cardiology Care for Children for support at every step of the journey. Contact us at 717-925-8300 today to learn more.