Should I fly if I have heart palpitations?

Whilst people with arrhythmia are generally safe to fly, it is crucial to discuss your travel plans with your GP before you book. Those living with heart conditions may have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on a flight, so taking steps to reduce this risk could be critical.



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According to medical research, travelling with arrhythmia is perfectly safe, as long as you are either suffering from no symptoms or you have been deemed clinically stable by a medical professional.

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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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Airplane Travel and Blood Oxygen Saturation Typically, in-cabin air pressure is equivalent to that seen at 5000 to 8000 ft. Local hypoxia causes vasodilation (decrease in blood pressure) and increased capillary permeability, as well as increased ventilatory effort and heart rate.

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Myocarditis causes a weakening of the heart, which makes it unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body and increases the probability of blood clots occurring in the heart, leading to a stroke or a heart attack. The act of flying and the conditions inside a commercial plane cabin further exacerbate these risks.

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Beta-blockers are typically used to provide short-term relief of physical symptoms caused by anxiety. Most people who take beta-blockers for anxiety take the medication as needed before an anxiety-inducing event, such as a plane flight, public speaking engagement, or medical procedure.

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Flying produces an inconceivable amount of C02 emissions and air pollution. For those that don't know, CO2 (carbon dioxide) is one of the key greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming – flying produces a whole lot of it.

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If your blood pressure is higher than 120 over 80, seek medical advice before you travel.

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Airlines reserve the right to waive off any applicable penalties at their discretion. If you would like to cancel your flight due to medical reasons, please contact the airline directly with a copy of your medical certificate requesting them to waive any applicable cancellation fees.

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Airplane Travel and Blood Oxygen Saturation Local hypoxia causes vasodilation (decrease in blood pressure) and increased capillary permeability, as well as increased ventilatory effort and heart rate. One study found a passenger had a blood oxygen saturation of 94% at ground level and 85% at altitude.

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Here are some other tips to keep from fainting on planes:
  1. Stay well hydrated before and during the flight. ...
  2. Sit in an aisle seat whenever possible. ...
  3. Do seated exercises to keep the blood in your lower limbs circulating. ...
  4. Dress lightly in layers. ...
  5. At the first sign of feeling ill, hit the call button and get a Coke.


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