Heart Condition and Rides

[teachmedis]

My husband is 40 and he had a heart attack 3 weeks ago. I suspect I'll probably be frequenting this board more than I have in the past. It may seem like a strange thing to worry about when we are more than a year away from our trip, but I'm using planning as a way of looking forward to better times than we're dealing with now. We have two young kids who will be 4 and 7 at the time of the trip, and they're not big thrill seekers so I'm not concerned about the coasters. However, I noticed Kilimanjaro Safari is on the list of rides unsafe for those with a heart condition. This is one of our favorite rides. It seems so mild, honestly we live in the country and I feel some of our roads are worse! My husband has a stent, which will disolve by the time of the trip. If that helps, I'm so clueless about all of this, it's not something I was prepared to deal with at 34! Any other advice you can send my way is much appreciated. I've never been more grateful for these boards!

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Really the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. I suspect Kilimanjaro is on tje list because the rough roads and starts/stops could trigger an abnormal rhythm in someone with a conduction issue.

It would be impossible for internet people to tell you yes or no on the safety. But his cardiologist's office should be more than happy to talk to you about it.

 

[teachmedis]

Really the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. I suspect Kilimanjaro is on tje list because the rough roads and starts/stops could trigger an abnormal rhythm in someone with a conduction issue.

It would be impossible for internet people to tell you yes or no on the safety. But his cardiologist's office should be more than happy to talk to you about it.

Well certainly we'll ask his doctor. I'm not sure asking about theme park rides is really appropriate at this point, but we'll make sure to go over anything prior to the trip. I wasn't asking specifically if my husband should go on it, more why it's on the list to begin with, I had assumed possibly for folks with pace makers.

 

[mb187143]

I second having a conversation with his Cardiologist. My father has had two stents put in and while he still enjoys most rides there are some that he simply can't ride anymore. He had no problem with the safari (they go often as do we, and he has probably done the safari 8-10 times in the 7 years since the stents) but he can't ride Everest anymore. He said when he rode that after the stent (which he shouldn't have anyway) he felt like an elephant was sitting on his chest. He avoids Everest now, and Mission Space as well.

Other than that, he is able to enjoy WDW as he always has before, and is able to walk the 9-10 miles with no problem (which he was able to do before as well).

Your DH should definitely talk to his doctor about things to avoid but also listen to his body. He may need to take more frequent breaks and will definitely need to stay hydrated throughout.

 

[gap2368]

yes I too would talk to his dr but closer to the trip so much can change between not and then I wish your husband a speedy recovery

 

[DisTXMom]

Cardio Dr can advise. Hope you're pleasantly surprised by what they say.

 

[teachmedis]

Thank you for your replies, we'll talk to his doctor when it gets closer. I am happy to hear of people who are still able to enjoy much of what is offered. Thank you for the well wishes!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I suspect part of the warning on the safari is in case there is an extended stop of the vehicle while waiting for animals. If there was a medical emergency on board it may be hard to get medical help to you quickly.

 

[teachmedis]

I suspect part of the warning on the safari is in case there is an extended stop of the vehicle while waiting for animals. If there was a medical emergency on board it may be hard to get medical help to you quickly.

That's a good point I hadn't thought of, thank you!

 

[redberyl]

Those warning signs don't apply to all people with heart disease equally. My daughter has severe heart disease, but its not a type that is affected by high speeds, sudden drops, jolting etc, which means she can ride almost all the rides. She would be at risk from rides with centrifugal forces, so the intense version of mission space is out. the only way to know for sure what type of rides he can do is to talk withthe cardiologist