The bigger picture

Getting back to normal after a cardiac event such as an MI can feel daunting; the medical side of things is likely to be well in hand, as indeed will returning to work and adopting a healthy lifestyle, but issues such as sex, driving and travelling are all too often overlooked.

Fortunately there is a wealth of information available online. NICE is a good starting point for healthcare professionals, whereas patients may find NHS Choices and organisations such as the BHF more accessible. For more specialised information, authoritative sources are best, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out whether driving is allowed after the diagnosis of a health problem.

And for travel advice, the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce (FCO) provides the latest advice on entry requirements and safety issues, while the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) is best for information on health risks.