Health concerns on rides (high blood pressure)

[laura&fam]

My DD recently went to a local amusement park and they had symbols on some rides to avoid if you have various health problems. One of them was high blood pressure. Does DL have anything like that?

My father recently developed serious health problems due to high blood pressure. We're not sure if he will be able to come on the trip as planned, but a list of rides that increase your blood pressure would be helpful. It kind of burst my bubble that he and my mom may not be able to come with us after we were all looking forward to it so much.

 

[AndyR]

A bit out of date but enough to give the general picture:

http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dlr_rr.htm

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would not think that if the HPB is under control than I would not think it should be a problem. Millions of people are hypertensive but under control.

Best of luck.

Jack

 

[ArchOwl]

On Disneyland.com they list the warnings for each ride. I would definitely get his doctor's advice about what is safe. Lots of people have high blood pressure which is under control and I wouldn't think the warnings apply to them. Hopefully the doctor will clarify what is safe and what is not.

 

[laura&fam]

A bit out of date but enough to give the general picture:

http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dlr_rr.htm

Wow that says about half the rides aren't safe for high blood pressure! Everyone is right that we will have to check with his doctor but that will be down the road a bit closer to the trip since things are still changing.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[KateDrake]

I would definitely have your dad talk to his doctor. When I was pregnant with DD3, everyone told me I couldn't go on any thrill rides - except my doctor. She said I was fine to go on anything at Disney! So much depends on the individual situation. I was still in my first trimester, in good health, etc. But it would be totally different for someone who was farther along or having issues.

Even if the MD says your dad can't do many of the rides that have warnings, he should still come along! There is still so much he can enjoy, including all the shows, parades, etc. and plenty of rides! I think a little Disney is a great cure for high blood pressure!

Whatever you decide, I hope your dad's health improves! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

 

[Feej]

I've asked the question of my doctor previously. Her answer was that as long as I'm taking my medication and keeping my bp under control, it's no issue.

Of course, YMMV, so it's still worth checking with your own doc.

 

[Geemo]

During your visit if there are any questions about his blood pressure, I'm sure you could have it checked at a first aid center. You might even want to pack along a BP cuff to have in your room.

Chat with the MD and go from there.

Have a fun time in the parks!!

 

[WA Kay]

As others have stated... have him check with his Doctor. My blood pressure, without medication, is very high. According to my doctor I am fine to do anything at Disneyland as long as I am taking my meds and my bp is under control.

 

[Mr Snappy]

I agree with talking to your doctor, but remember, those signs are up for Disneyland's protection, not the rider. Not that they don't care, but they are protecting themselves from lawsuits.

 

[KateDrake]

I agree with talking to your doctor, but remember, those signs are up for Disneyland's protection, not the rider. Not that they don't care, but they are protecting themselves from lawsuits.

Exactly! That's why you see such dire warnings on some of the rides. Soarin', for example, is pretty dang innocuous, but they have the warning up there just in case heights give you a panic attack or something. Maybe ask your dad's MD about what types of motion to avoid, vs. height restrictions, etc. If drops aren't OK, but a gentle rise like Soarin' would be OK, he could probably do it. Your MD knows your health so much better than Disney ever will.

 

[sonjaandsue]

You mentioned that he developed serious health problems from his HTN. Depending on what those are, (especially if they are heart-related), he will definately want the OK from his MD. There was a study in JAMA several years ago about how much our heart rate increases on rollercoasters. So there are medical reasons behind the warnings that would make it wise to take the extra step of checking with his MD.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I think the most important thing is not to invoke a fight or flight response, so it really comes down to avoiding anything that frightens you.......unless he is on beta blockers then it doesn't matter LOL !

 

[MacyMay]

I would definitely agree with what they say, have him check with the doctor first. Well, of course if the doctor says it's okay I will still avoid those roller coaster rides or anything that is high-speed, twisty rides, just to make sure.

 

[It'sKim]

I also have high blood pressure and take medication for it. My doctor also had no concerns at all about any of the rides as long as I take my medication. Just have him visit his doctor before your trip, I'm sure it will be fine

 

[laura&fam]

Unfortunately Friday my dad's doctor said no to the whole trip

I want what is best for him, but it is very frustrating because it seems like the doctor has done nothing for 6 weeks. Trip aside I thought the doctors (he has 4 of them now) would have been able to get him healthier and more stable by now.

 

[pixiewings71]

I have HBP and control it with diet and sometimes with medication as well, I am able to ride all rides at Disney with no issues.