Can I travel or fly with a cardiac device? 

Traveling with a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is safe and common for thousands of patients in the UK every year. Having a cardiac device should not prevent you from enjoying holidays or flying across the world. However, there are specific clinical precautions you must take regarding airport security, travel insurance, and ensuring you have access to medical support while abroad. 

In this article, you will learn how to navigate airport security safely, how flying affects your device, and the essential documents you need to carry. We will also discuss the importance of finding cardiac centers at your destination and how to manage your device settings during long haul travel. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• Navigating airport security and metal detectors safely. 

• Clinical safety of flying and pressurized cabins for device patients. 

• Essential documents and the importance of your device ID card. 

• How to find specialized cardiac care at your travel destination. 

• Travel insurance requirements for patients with pacemakers or ICDs. 

• Managing device monitoring and battery life while away from home. 

• Triggers and warning signs that require medical attention abroad. 

Airport security and metal detectors 

The most common concern for travelers with a cardiac device is the airport security scanner. Most modern pacemakers and ICDs are designed with built in shielding against electromagnetic interference. However, passing through a walk through metal detector or being scanned with a handheld security wand can occasionally cause the device to briefly misinterpret the signals. 

In the UK and internationally, security staff are trained to handle passengers with medical implants. You should always inform the security officer that you have a cardiac device before entering the screening area. They will usually advise you to walk through the scanner at a normal pace without stopping, or they may offer a manual hand search instead. If a handheld wand is used, it should not be held directly over your device site for more than a second or two. 

• Inform security staff about your device as soon as you reach the checkpoint. 

• Show your cardiac device ID card to verify your medical implant. 

• Walk through security gates at a normal steady pace. 

• Request a manual pat down search if you are concerned about the scanners. 

Is flying safe for my heart and device? 

Flying is clinically safe for almost all patients with a cardiac device. The pressurized cabin of a commercial airplane does not interfere with the electronics or the battery of a pacemaker or ICD. The electrical systems on the plane also do not produce enough interference to affect the sensing or pacing functions of your device. 

The main clinical consideration when flying is not the device itself, but your underlying heart condition. Long haul flights can increase the risk of blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis. It is important to stay hydrated, wear compression stockings if recommended by your GP, and move around the cabin regularly. If you have recently had your device implanted, you should wait at least six weeks before flying to ensure the surgical wound has healed and the leads are stable. 

• Commercial flights do not interfere with device electronics. 

• Wait six weeks after surgery before taking your first flight. 

• Stay active during the flight to maintain good circulation. 

• Most patients can fly immediately if the device was implanted for a non acute reason. 

Essential documents and travel insurance 

Whenever you travel, you must carry your cardiac device ID card. This card contains vital information including the make and model of your device, the date it was fitted, and your hospital contact details. In an emergency, this card tells local doctors exactly how to manage your device. It is also helpful to carry a copy of your most recent device check report and a list of your current heart medications. 

Travel insurance is a non negotiable requirement. You must declare your cardiac device and the underlying heart condition to your insurance provider. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy, leaving you with significant medical bills if you require treatment abroad. While premiums may be slightly higher, many UK insurers specialize in providing cover for patients with pre existing heart conditions. 

• Carry your physical device ID card in your hand luggage at all times. 

• Declare your pacemaker or ICD to your travel insurance company. 

• Keep a digital photo of your ID card and medication list on your phone. 

• Ensure your insurance covers emergency repatriation back to the UK. 

Finding medical support abroad 

Before you travel, it is a clinical best practice to identify where the nearest cardiac center is located at your destination. You can often find this information through your device manufacturer website, which typically provides a global directory of clinics capable of checking your specific model. Knowing that a specialist is nearby can significantly reduce travel anxiety. 

If you use a home monitoring system (a small box that transmits your device data to your UK hospital), ask your cardiac physiologist if you should take it with you. For short trips, it is usually not necessary, but for extended stays abroad, your clinical team may want you to continue regular transmissions to ensure your device is functioning correctly. 

• Locate the nearest cardiac clinic before you depart. 

• Check if your home monitoring system works in your destination country. 

• Ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip plus extra days. 

• Carry your hospital cardiac department phone number for advice. 

Differentiation: Traveling with a pacemaker vs ICD 

Traveling with an ICD requires slightly more planning than traveling with a pacemaker. While both are safe for travel, an ICD patient must consider the possibility of the device delivering a shock while abroad. If your ICD fires, you will need to seek immediate medical attention at a local hospital to determine why the shock occurred. 

Pacemaker patients generally have fewer concerns, as their device is primarily there to prevent a slow heart rate. However, both groups should avoid certain holiday activities that involve strong magnets or large electrical motors, such as some high intensity theme park rides or specialized industrial tours. Always check the safety signage at tourist attractions if you are unsure. 

Conclusion 

Traveling and flying with a cardiac device is safe provided you take a few simple clinical precautions. By carrying your ID card, declaring your condition to insurers, and communicating with airport security, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Your device is there to support your heart, allowing you to live an active and full life, including exploring new destinations. 

If your ICD delivers a shock while you are traveling, or if you feel dizzy, breathless, or unwell, seek emergency medical care at the nearest hospital immediately. 

Authority Snapshot  

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in cardiology, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. Dr. Fernandez has managed patients through various stages of cardiac device implantation and has provided clinical guidance for safe travel and rehabilitation within the NHS. This guide is based on current clinical standards from the British Heart Foundation and NICE to ensure the safety of cardiac device patients.