Heart conditions in WDW...any experiences?

[Jakesmom504]

Hi, anyone have any experiences with heart conditions at WDW? We are going Aug 30 and my parents are going too. Even though this trip is mainly for DS (it's his first time) my mom is worried that my dad who has a heart condition won't be able to ride anything! He's only 54 but has Cardiomyopathy. I told her I thought there was still quite a bit that we all could do together and considering this trip is more for DS I don't think we will be doing all of the big roller coaster rides anyway. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[JennyMominRI]

Hi, anyone have any experiences with heart conditions at WDW? We are going Aug 30 and my parents are going too. Even though this trip is mainly for DS (it's his first time) my mom is worried that my dad who has a heart condition won't be able to ride anything! He's only 54 but has Cardiomyopathy. I told her I thought there was still quite a bit that we all could do together and considering this trip is more for DS I don't think we will be doing all of the big roller coaster rides anyway. Any thoughts or suggestions?

He needs to talk to his doc..I have cardiomyopathy, but it's well controlled..I ride everything except the full version of Mission Space...I ride EE, SM, BTM, RRC ToT..I recognize that half the rides at WDW have health warning but I trust my doctors opinion more

 

[cglaura]

My mom suffered congestive heart failure in 1999. She now has a medtronic device, not a pacemaker, but similar...it "pumps" the bottom of her heart? They gave her 5 years, but she said "Bah to that!" and is still kickin' strong, well, her version of strong anyway

She was able to do just about everything, just not the major obvious rides...Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest and Thunder Mountain RR.

She did fine on the light side of Mission Space and Splash Mountain.

We did have a wheelchair for her, that helped alot.

You know what she had the most trouble with? The queues w/ ramps! She can walk flat fine, but uphill forget it!


I'd definitely talk to the doctor. Good luck!

 

[kiddisney]

like all have said - talk w/the doctor - my dad had problems but he's been down multiple times w/us - we actually get him one of those motorized carts - and like the other poster - he had trouble going up the inclines - so my sister would always go ahead and get a cart and we would walk slowly w/him - and once he got the cart he moved faster than us - and he went on almost everything - he never likes the coasters - but did go on jungle cruise - mexico - buzz - movie ride - and so many other rides - the doctor said that he should go on what he thought was comfortable for him - and nothing that would cause stress - but there's so much to do there he had a great time w/o the coaster rides.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I have had heart issues since the day I was born and had no problem riding anything. My doctors did give me warning saying that if my adrenaline was running too much I could send myself into irregular heart rates. Never happened.

Problem for me now is that 18 months ago I had a Medtronic ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) implanted for arrhythmia issues and was strongly advised NOT to ride roller coasters anymore as the movement could cause it to pace my heart funny leading to unnecessary shocks. I was so heartbroken when they told me no more roller coasters because I LOVE them.

I should still be fine on Splash Mountain though as it's just one little drop.

But I agree with the other posters, have him talk with his doctor. I had a friend whose dad had a defibrillator and rode the roller coasters without problems even though the signs say he shouldn't.

 

[minkydog]

Definitely talk to the cardiologist. It's more than the rides. you have to consider the heat and humidity. Some people on heart meds tolerate it okay. My Dh does not. Even with an ECV, there is no way we could ever do WDW in August. Your dad may need to consider taking rest breaks in the hotel room during the mid-day. His doctor will know what his capabilities are.

 

[emma'smom]

Even if the doctor says he should avoid the big headliner rides...there is still PLENTY to do that everyone can do together. He won't be left on the sidelines much as most of the attractions are shows, rides where you are simply riding through to enjoy the set (like Winnie the Pooh, IASW, Snow White, Peter Pan, etc). Really, the majority of the attractions are not thrill rides. You'll be able to do most things together!

 

[Jakesmom504]

Thank you all very much for all of your input! I will definitely tell him to check with his MD and relay what all of you have said. I feel much better now though...he is so excited about this trip with my son so I would feel terrible if he weren't able to fully enjoy it. He too has it under control for the time being, and is still able to do quite a lot. There is some difference after he's been chasing my son around for awhile but nothing that knocks him on his butt, not since the initial diagnosis. I will need to factor in the heat and humidity though, I hadn't really thought much about that! Good thing is, with a then 4 year old we will be taking frequent breaks and afternoon naps or pool and waterpark trips.
I know a few people with heart disorders ranging from minor to serious so kudos to all of you...I hope you all (or your loved ones) stay healthy!
Thanks very much!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I have atrial fibrillation, but have never had any issues on any of the rides, although I"ve ruled out Mission Space for myself...LOL
Def talk to your dr tho.. but he knows himself best

 

[strmtroopr96]

I have atrial fibrillation, but have never had any issues on any of the rides, although I"ve ruled out Mission Space for myself...LOL
Def talk to your dr tho.. but he knows himself best

My father has Atrial Fib too and has since 2005. He is on different meds and has had numerous procedures done but has gotten the okay for Disney. He has been down to WDW twice since getting sick and has no problems with the rides. He hasn't done Mission Space though since it first opened only because he is a weenie and never liked those types of rides! LOL Dinosaur is another he rearely does and again only because he doesn't care for the jerkiness.