A safe summer with cardiomyopathy: AICARM webinar on vacation tips

The 2022 European Society of Cardiology guidelines confirm the importance of physical activity for patients with cardiomyopathy, provided it is regular and supervised. Bathing in the sea or pool is absolutely possible, but prefer pools for safety and avoid swimming alone in open water. The real enemy of summer is extreme heat: when it's very hot, our body activates vasodilation to cool the blood, a process that lowers blood pressure and can be particularly problematic for those with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The winning strategy is to adapt your schedule, as Francesca does: "My life changes in the summer because my blood pressure drops even more. Instead of walking in the afternoon, I now go at 6:30 in the morning. You can't say, 'It's hot, I'm not doing anything,' you have to change your schedule and adapt."

Traveling with a defibrillator doesn't present any particular problems, as Francesca's firsthand experience confirms: "Absolutely, you can travel by plane. The only difference is that you can't go through metal detectors; you'll be checked manually by presenting your defibrillator card." The real risks of flying aren't related to oxygen (the cabin is pressurized), but to immobility and dehydration. It's essential to get up frequently, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol during the trip. For trips abroad, the essential kit includes: medication for an additional week in your carry-on luggage, a medical summary in English with diagnosis and medications, and the contact information for your cardiologist. If the defibrillator delivers a shock, you should always go to the hospital, even abroad.

Medical therapy is a dynamic balance that changes with the seasons. If we take a certain dose of diuretic in the winter, adjustments may be necessary in the summer because we also lose fluids through sweat. As Dr. Maurizi emphasizes: "We shouldn't do it ourselves: all changes are possible if discussed first with our cardiologist." Daily weight control is one way to monitor fluid balance. For summer nutrition, the rule is to favor a substantial breakfast early in the morning, light lunches, and multiple snacks throughout the day. Watermelon helps with hydration, extra virgin olive oil remains beneficial for the heart, while bananas (rich in potassium) should be consumed in moderation, and energy drinks, which can trigger arrhythmias, should be avoided at all costs.

A summer with cardiomyopathy can be lived peacefully by following the fundamental principle of intelligent adaptation. As demonstrated by the example of Francesca, who signed up for the 10K Athens Marathon ("I'll walk the whole distance, but the important thing is to participate and not stop"), having cardiomyopathy doesn't mean giving up on your plans, but learning to achieve them differently. AICARM continues its commitment to training expert patients through webinars, courses, and ongoing support, because, as Dr. Maurizi points out: "AICARM is one of the few organizations in the world that offers patients the opportunity to become experts in their own disease." The final message is one of hope and responsibility: with the right precautions, medical support, and the willingness to adapt, every summer can be lived in complete safety and serenity.