Can a person with a stent fly?

What are the important things that you should be aware of if you intend to take a flight with a heart stent? If you do not have any complications after the heart surgery, you can fly on a commercial flight with a medical escort, after waiting for the required period of time.



People Also Ask

Your doctor will tell you when you can safely travel after angioplasty, but in general, you can resume air travel about one week after a stent or balloon angioplasty. The main thing to remember is that sitting in one position for too long can put you at risk of blood clots if you have PAD.

MORE DETAILS

It's not generally recommended to take a long-haul flight soon after having a stent fitted but if you are generally well, and have chatted through your circumstances with your doctor, you may be fit to fly: Two days after a planned, uncomplicated angioplasty. Three to ten days after an uncomplicated heart attack.

MORE DETAILS

If you have signs and symptoms of heart failure and further treatment is planned, you are considered to be at high risk of another heart attack. In this case, you should wait until you are in a more stable condition before flying. Always speak to your GP or specialist before flying after you have had a heart attack.

MORE DETAILS

Going through a metal detector or security checkpoint will not trigger the alarm and will not harm your stent.

MORE DETAILS

Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.

MORE DETAILS

DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.

MORE DETAILS

A 2021 study states that people with high blood pressure can travel to high altitudes unless they have uncontrolled blood pressure or heart problems. In these situations, it is essential to talk with their doctor, who can advise them on how to travel by air safely.

MORE DETAILS

Air travel increases the risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can then enter the bloodstream and block an artery in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. In some cases, the opening can allow the blood clot to enter the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.

MORE DETAILS