First AC trip (hopefully)

A neclace would be a good idea

A medical bracelet or necklace is probably a good idea in general, and not just for Anthrocon, but any travel where you'r enot likely to be aroudn family or friends who know of your condition.

As for the priveleges Fursuiters get: They get priority access to the elevator lines at the Westin; we occasionaly have small trinkets for Fursuiters.. and that's about it. The biggest perk of wearing a fursuit while at Anthrocon is wearing a fursuit while at Anthrocon.

But that's enough for the about 20% of people who wear one each year.

A necklace or Medic Alert-type bracelet would be very advisable, for the reasons Chiaroscuro mentions.  He's also correct about the limited 'special privleges' offered to the fursuiters... but he forgot to mention that the elevator priority is only at the Westin, the main convention hotel.

But I'm going to go a bit further.  You need to consider fursuiting very seriously with a cardiac condition.  A full fursuit is very hot by itself and Pittsburgh can also get very hot in summer.  Even a partial suit (assuming a full-head mask) will limit your sight and breathing, and your ability to cool yourself.  I seriously suggest that you talk with your doctor before you try fursuiting.  Even for people in good physical shape it can be exhausting.  With a cardiac condition, it could be dangerous.

 I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get a medical necklace before the con.

That's Captain Falcon of F-Zero. (This character has been around for a while- I can recognize him.)  AFAIK, he just used the image for a "yes".

And I thought it was 15% of AC'ers who fursuit.

As mentioned above, fursuiters get priority at the elevator lines in the Westin, there are two fursuiter-only lounges called the "Headless lounge" for cooling off, and the Information desk usually has an extra goody for the 'suiters, usually a badge tag of some sort.  That's about it.

However, I strongly agree with the charlieg that you talk to your doctor before going through the expense of getting a 'suit.  As a fursuiter myself, I can tell you it can be a real endurance trial to go about the Con dressed head to toe in fur, with breathing, vision, and movement obstructed.  At one point in my life, I was trained to endure hot and humid conditions for hours on end, but since switching jobs to a cooler environment, my endurance for fursuiting has gone down drastically.  With a cardiac condition, the stress on your body would be amplified.

If you do decide to fursuit, I'd recommend building up to Anthrocon by wearing your suit for a few minutes every day, extending the time in 'suit every few days.  Listen to your body as far as your personal time limit, and don't try to push yourself too hard.  We want you to have fun!