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. However, with the proper preparation, those with heart conditions can still enjoy air travel.
Dr. Liu Zhongping, a cardiologist in Taiwan, shared a story on “Health 1+1” on NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times, about a couple who came to his clinic. The husband had recently experienced a heart attack and had been in intensive care. About a month before his visit, he had heart valve surgery and had been stable since.
He wanted to return to his home country to recuperate, but his wife strongly opposed the idea, worried that flying so soon after heart surgery was risky. After assessing his condition, Liu felt he could travel safely by air as long as he took his regular medications and had emergency medication on hand.
Avoid Flying in 2 Situations
Flying can pose extra challenges for people with heart conditions. Air pressure drops by more than 60 percent at high altitudes compared with sea level. While cabins are pressurized, oxygen levels are still about 30 percent lower than at ground level. Healthy people can usually adapt to this by increasing their heart rate and breathing, but for those with weaker heart or lung function, it may lead to breathing difficulties or chest tightness.- Within 10 Days of Heart or Lung Surgery: Patients who have recently had heart or lung surgery, such as stent placements or bypass surgery, should not fly within the first 10 days. After surgery, there may be residual gas in the chest cavity, which can expand in low-pressure environments, causing a pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
- Within Two Weeks of a Heart Attack: People who have had a heart attack within the past two weeks should also avoid flying. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that the risk of a second heart attack is highest within two weeks, and a second occurrence can be even more dangerous than the first.
Tips for Safe Air Travel for Those With Heart Conditions
Liu offered the following advice for patients with heart conditions who are preparing to fly:- Travel Only When Stable: “You should only fly if you’re not experiencing chest tightness, pain, or shortness of breath. If your heart is already under strain, it’s working hard to protect you, and the low-oxygen environment on a plane may be too much.” Patients should consult their doctors before flying to ensure they are fit for travel.
- Get Plenty of Rest Before Flying: Avoid strenuous exercise and sleepless nights before your flight. Arrive at the airport early to keep your schedule relaxed. A calm body reduces the risk of heart strain, as stress can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the risk of heart complications. Research shows that heightened sympathetic activity can lead to irregular heart rhythms.
- Take Medications Regularly: Carry your usual medications in your carry-on luggage and take them as prescribed. Bring a double supply of medications and avoid putting them all in checked baggage, as delays or lost luggage could leave you without them. Taking blood pressure medications is especially important as flying can elevate blood pressure. Bring emergency medications for angina, arrhythmia, and blood pressure control in case of sudden symptoms. While emergency medicine might be available on board, using one’s own medication is usually more effective.
- Stay Hydrated and Watch Your Diet: The dry air in airplane cabins can thicken the blood. Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. Avoid salty, oily snacks, as these can affect heart health. It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as both can stimulate the nervous system and raise blood pressure.
- Request Oxygen in Advance: Those with heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require supplemental oxygen. Arrange for oxygen with the airline before the flight.
- Move Your Legs Frequently to Prevent Blood Clots: Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of blood clots, especially for those with heart conditions. Regularly moving your legs during the flight can help blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis—the formation of a clot, usually in the legs or pelvis, that blocks normal blood flow.
The Dangers of Blood Clots
In addition to discomfort caused by low cabin air pressure, prolonged sitting is a significant risk for cardiovascular patients. Studies have shown that the risk of blood clots doubles after flying for more than four hours. Extended flight times or multiple flights in a short period further increase the risk of developing blood clots.Venous blood flow is slower, and leg muscle contractions help with blood returning to the heart, Liu said. Symptoms of a blood clot in the veins include noticeable pain, swelling, or even raised blood vessels and bruising in the calf, usually on one side. The most dangerous complication occurs if the clot moves to the pulmonary artery, causing a pulmonary embolism and breathing difficulties. “This is a serious danger during flights,” he said.
- Move Every Hour: Get up and walk around every hour during long flights to promote circulation.
- Elevate and Move Legs While Seated: Sit with your legs elevated and move them back and forth to encourage blood flow.
- Wear Compression Socks: Wearing compression socks helps improve venous return. If you don’t have compression socks, wearing thicker, longer sports socks can also be helpful, provided they cover the lower leg, ideally extending just above the calf and close to the knee.
Sun Exposure Can Ease Jet Lag
Those with heart conditions may find that jet lag affects their blood pressure and disrupts the autonomic nervous system, which can increase the risk of heart attacks during long-distance travel. Liu suggested getting sunlight during the day, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding bright lights at night to promote melatonin production, which can help with sleep. He advised against using alcohol to ease insomnia, as it can have the opposite effect. Taking melatonin supplements may help regulate the body’s internal clock, but those with heart conditions should consult their doctor before using them.Heart disease should not overly restrict patients’ ability to enjoy life, Liu said. He encourages patients, once they understand their health condition, to venture out and enjoy life as long as the risks are not too high.
