Does flying make pulmonary hypertension worse?

High Altitude and PH In both healthy people and people with PH, blood vessels in the lungs constrict at high altitude, which can cause an increase in pulmonary pressures. This can result in worsening symptoms and decreased exercise capacity in PH patients.



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Unstable heart disease is associated with a higher risk of adverse events due to flying, and you may need to avoid flying, at least temporarily, until your condition is well controlled. People with pacemakers or implantable defibrillators can fly safely.

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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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