Long flights and extended sitting combined with low air pressure can put extra strain on the heart and lungs. For people with heart conditions, it’s essential to be cautious when traveling by plane. Experts advise that with the proper preparations, those with heart conditions can still enjoy air travel.
Dr. Liu Zhongping, a cardiologist in Taiwan, shared a story on the NTD “Health 1+1” program about a couple who argued at his clinic. The husband had recently suffered a heart attack and had been in intensive care. About a month prior, he had had heart valve surgery and had been stable since. He wanted to return to his home country to recuperate, but his Taiwanese wife strongly opposed the idea, feeling that flying so soon after heart surgery was risky. After assessing his condition, Liu believed the man could travel safely by air as long as he took his regular medications and had emergency medication on hand.
