DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My dad’s favorite band is playing at a music festival this summer. I’d love to take him, but he has a heart condition. I know it could be kind of intense. Do you have any tips for making the experience safe for him?
ANSWER: Festivals can be surprisingly physically demanding. Hours spent standing, walking or dancing can put extra strain on the heart, especially for those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
For people with heart failure, this can lead to shortness of breath or a worsening of symptoms.