Heart attack on a cruise ship: what to do

Passengers who require emergency treatment beyond the capabilities of the ship's medical center are provided with evacuation. This is carried out by the Coast Guard.

The traveler is thus hospitalized in the nearest hospital. It is known that the most common cases on the ship are heart attacks. 16% of passenger deaths on cruise ships are caused precisely by cardiovascular disease. The group of people aged 60 and older is particularly prone to this, Insider reports.

That said, if you are at risk for this disease, there are a few things to know.

First, if you have a heart attack on a cruise ship, you can receive initial treatment at the ship's medical center.

Cruise ships must have at least two defibrillators, one of which must be a portable automated external defibrillator, a device that non-medical personnel can use during sudden cardiac arrest.

"ACEP guidelines, which are mandatory for CLIA ocean cruise line members, indicate that cruise ships must have at least one qualified medical professional available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to visit medical bays or "house calls" in the stateroom. In addition, cruise ships must have an exam room, intensive care unit, and equipment and procedures for laboratory tests, vital signs monitoring and medication administration," said a CLIA spokesperson.

That said, it's important to keep in mind that most conventional health insurance policies do not cover medical services on cruise ships.

You should also bring an adequate supply of all medications and be sure not to forget your health documents. It is especially important to get an electrocardiogram before traveling.