Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRisksPre-Flight EvaluationPlanning and PreventionDuring Your Flight
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Risks
Pre-Flight Evaluation
Planning and Prevention
During Your Flight
If you have a heart condition, you can fly safely as a passenger on an airplane, but you need to be aware of your risks and take necessary precautions.
Heart conditions that can lead to health emergencies when flying include coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rate), recent heart surgery, an implanted heart device, heart failure, and pulmonary arterial disease.
Rofique Hussain / EyeEm / Getty Images
Air travel does not pose major risks to most people with heart disease. But there are some aspects of flying that can be problematic when you have certain heart conditions.
When you have heart disease, air flight can lead to problems due to the confined space, low oxygen concentration, dehydration, air pressure, high altitude, and the potential for increased stress. Keep in mind some of these issues compound their effects on your health.
Only 8% percent of medical emergencies in the air are cardiac events, but cardiac events are the most common in-flight medical cause of death.
Immobility
The prolonged lack of physical movement and dehydration on an airplane may increase your risk of blood clots, includingdeep vein thrombosis (DVT)orpulmonary embolism (PE). One of the biggest risks for people with heart disease who are flying is developing venous thrombosis.
These risks are higher if you have CAD or an implanted heart device, such as an artificial heart valve or a coronary stent.And if you have an arrhythmia, a blood clot in your heart can lead to a stroke.
One of the biggest risks for people with heart disease who are flying is developing an arterial blood clot or venous thrombosis.
Low Oxygen and Air Pressure
The partial pressure of oxygen is slightly lower at high altitudes than at ground level. And, while this discrepancy on an airplane is typically inconsequential, the reduced oxygen pressure in airplane cabins can lead to less-than-optimal oxygen concentration in your body if you have heart disease.
This exacerbates the effects of pre-existing heart diseases such as CAD andpulmonary hypertension.
The changes in gas pressure in an airplane cabin can translate to changes in gas volume in the body. For some people, airplane cabin pressure causes air expansion in the lungs. This can lead to serious lung or heart damage if you are recovering from recent heart surgery.
Dehydration
Cabin pressure at high altitude can contribute to water loss and dehydration while flying.This can affect your blood pressure, causing exacerbation of heart disease.This is especially problematic if you have heart failure, CAD, or an arrhythmia.
Stress
If you experience stress due to generalized anxiety about traveling or sudden turbulence on your flight, you could have an exacerbation of your hypertension or CAD.
Pre-Flight Health Evaluation
Before you fly, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need any pre-flight tests or medication adjustments.If your heart disease is stable and well-controlled, it is considered safe for you to travel on an airplane.
But, if you’re very concerned about your health due to recent symptoms, it might be better for you to confirm that it’s safe with your healthcare provider first before you book a ticket.
Indications that your heart condition is unstable include:
If you’ve had a recent heart attack, a cardiologist may suggest a stress test prior to flying.
Your healthcare provider might also check your oxygen blood saturation. Heart disease with lower than 91% oxygen saturation may be associated with an increased risk of flying.
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 withpacemakersorimplantable defibrillatorscan fly safely.
As you plan your flight, make sure that you do so with your heart condition in mind so you can pre-emptively minimize problems.
While it’s safe for you to fly with a pacemaker or defibrillator, security equipment might interfere with your device’s function. Ask your healthcare provider or check with the manufacturer to see if it’s safe for you to go through security.
If you need to carry any liquid medications or supplemental oxygen through security, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a document explaining that you need to carry them on the plane with you.
Carry a copy of your medication list, allergies, your healthcare provider’s contact information, and family members' contact information in case you have a health emergency.
To avoid unnecessary anxiety, get to the airport in plenty of time to avoid stressful rushing.
As you plan your time in-flight, be sure to take the following steps:
Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which are both dehydrating. And, if possible, get up and walk for a few minutes every two hours on a long flight, or do leg exercises, such as pumping your calves up and down, to prevent DVT.
If you develop any concerning issues while flying, let your flight attendant know right away.
Warning Signs
Complications can manifest with a variety of symptoms. Many of these might not turn out to be dangerous, but getting prompt medical attention can prevent serious consequences.
Symptoms to watch for include:
To prepare for health emergencies, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration mandates that an emergency medical kit and an automated external defibrillator (AED) be kept on all passenger airplanes that carry 30 passengers or more.
Flight crews receive training in the management of in-flight medical emergencies and there are protocols in place for flight diversions if necessary.
Summary
For most people who haveheart disease, it is possible to fly safely as long as precautions are taken The risks of flying for people with heart conditions are related to the confined space, low oxygen and pressure in the cabin, dehydration, immobility, and stress.
Before flying, ask your healthcare provider if you should have a health evaluation or make changes to your medication. Make sure you know whether your equipment is safe to take through security, keep a copy of your medical information, and make sure you understand the warning signs.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hammadah M, Kindya BR, Allard‐Ratick MP, et al.Navigating air travel and cardiovascular concerns: Is the sky the limit?Clin Cardiol. 2017;40(9):660-666. doi:10.1002/clc.22741.American Heart Association.Travel and heart disease.Zubac D, Buoite Stella A, Morrison SA.Up in the air: Evidence of dehydration risk and long-haul flight on athletic performance.Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2574. doi:10.3390/nu12092574Mohammedin AS, AlSaid AH, Almalki AM, et al.Assessment of hydration status and blood pressure in a tertiary care hospital at Al-Khobar.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27706. doi:10.7759/cureus.27706von Haehling S, Birner C, Dworatzek E, et al.Travelling with heart failure: risk assessment and practical recommendations.Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022;19(5):302-313. doi:10.1038/s41569-021-00643-zAmerican Heart Association.A vacation after a heart attack or stroke needs some extra planning.Katkat F.Flight safety in patients with arrhythmia.Anatol J Cardiol. 2021;25(Suppl 1):24-25. doi:10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2021.S109Naqvi N, Doughty VL, Starling L, et al.Hypoxic challenge testing (fitness to fly) in children with complex congenital heart disease.Heart.2018;104(16):1333-1338.doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312753Bakthavatchalam R, Bakthavatchalam S, Ravikoti S, et al.Analyzing the outcomes of COVID-19 infection on patients with comorbidities: Insights from hospital-based study.Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55358. doi:10.7759/cureus.55358Zhao D, Cheng S, Tsui FR, Mathur MB, Wang CH.The risk of aircraft-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission during commercial flights: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6):654. doi:10.3390/ijerph21060654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19.American College of Emergency Physicians.Heart attack.Hu JS, Smith JK.In-flight medical emergencies.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(9):547-552.Ho SF, Thirumoorthy T, Ng BB.What to do during inflight medical emergencies? Practice pointers from a medical ethicist and an aviation medicine specialist.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(1):14-17. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016145
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hammadah M, Kindya BR, Allard‐Ratick MP, et al.Navigating air travel and cardiovascular concerns: Is the sky the limit?Clin Cardiol. 2017;40(9):660-666. doi:10.1002/clc.22741.American Heart Association.Travel and heart disease.Zubac D, Buoite Stella A, Morrison SA.Up in the air: Evidence of dehydration risk and long-haul flight on athletic performance.Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2574. doi:10.3390/nu12092574Mohammedin AS, AlSaid AH, Almalki AM, et al.Assessment of hydration status and blood pressure in a tertiary care hospital at Al-Khobar.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27706. doi:10.7759/cureus.27706von Haehling S, Birner C, Dworatzek E, et al.Travelling with heart failure: risk assessment and practical recommendations.Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022;19(5):302-313. doi:10.1038/s41569-021-00643-zAmerican Heart Association.A vacation after a heart attack or stroke needs some extra planning.Katkat F.Flight safety in patients with arrhythmia.Anatol J Cardiol. 2021;25(Suppl 1):24-25. doi:10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2021.S109Naqvi N, Doughty VL, Starling L, et al.Hypoxic challenge testing (fitness to fly) in children with complex congenital heart disease.Heart.2018;104(16):1333-1338.doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312753Bakthavatchalam R, Bakthavatchalam S, Ravikoti S, et al.Analyzing the outcomes of COVID-19 infection on patients with comorbidities: Insights from hospital-based study.Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55358. doi:10.7759/cureus.55358Zhao D, Cheng S, Tsui FR, Mathur MB, Wang CH.The risk of aircraft-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission during commercial flights: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6):654. doi:10.3390/ijerph21060654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19.American College of Emergency Physicians.Heart attack.Hu JS, Smith JK.In-flight medical emergencies.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(9):547-552.Ho SF, Thirumoorthy T, Ng BB.What to do during inflight medical emergencies? Practice pointers from a medical ethicist and an aviation medicine specialist.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(1):14-17. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016145
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hammadah M, Kindya BR, Allard‐Ratick MP, et al.Navigating air travel and cardiovascular concerns: Is the sky the limit?Clin Cardiol. 2017;40(9):660-666. doi:10.1002/clc.22741.American Heart Association.Travel and heart disease.Zubac D, Buoite Stella A, Morrison SA.Up in the air: Evidence of dehydration risk and long-haul flight on athletic performance.Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2574. doi:10.3390/nu12092574Mohammedin AS, AlSaid AH, Almalki AM, et al.Assessment of hydration status and blood pressure in a tertiary care hospital at Al-Khobar.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27706. doi:10.7759/cureus.27706von Haehling S, Birner C, Dworatzek E, et al.Travelling with heart failure: risk assessment and practical recommendations.Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022;19(5):302-313. doi:10.1038/s41569-021-00643-zAmerican Heart Association.A vacation after a heart attack or stroke needs some extra planning.Katkat F.Flight safety in patients with arrhythmia.Anatol J Cardiol. 2021;25(Suppl 1):24-25. doi:10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2021.S109Naqvi N, Doughty VL, Starling L, et al.Hypoxic challenge testing (fitness to fly) in children with complex congenital heart disease.Heart.2018;104(16):1333-1338.doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312753Bakthavatchalam R, Bakthavatchalam S, Ravikoti S, et al.Analyzing the outcomes of COVID-19 infection on patients with comorbidities: Insights from hospital-based study.Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55358. doi:10.7759/cureus.55358Zhao D, Cheng S, Tsui FR, Mathur MB, Wang CH.The risk of aircraft-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission during commercial flights: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6):654. doi:10.3390/ijerph21060654Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19.American College of Emergency Physicians.Heart attack.Hu JS, Smith JK.In-flight medical emergencies.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(9):547-552.Ho SF, Thirumoorthy T, Ng BB.What to do during inflight medical emergencies? Practice pointers from a medical ethicist and an aviation medicine specialist.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(1):14-17. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016145
Hammadah M, Kindya BR, Allard‐Ratick MP, et al.Navigating air travel and cardiovascular concerns: Is the sky the limit?Clin Cardiol. 2017;40(9):660-666. doi:10.1002/clc.22741.
American Heart Association.Travel and heart disease.
Zubac D, Buoite Stella A, Morrison SA.Up in the air: Evidence of dehydration risk and long-haul flight on athletic performance.Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2574. doi:10.3390/nu12092574
Mohammedin AS, AlSaid AH, Almalki AM, et al.Assessment of hydration status and blood pressure in a tertiary care hospital at Al-Khobar.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27706. doi:10.7759/cureus.27706
von Haehling S, Birner C, Dworatzek E, et al.Travelling with heart failure: risk assessment and practical recommendations.Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022;19(5):302-313. doi:10.1038/s41569-021-00643-z
American Heart Association.A vacation after a heart attack or stroke needs some extra planning.
Katkat F.Flight safety in patients with arrhythmia.Anatol J Cardiol. 2021;25(Suppl 1):24-25. doi:10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2021.S109
Naqvi N, Doughty VL, Starling L, et al.Hypoxic challenge testing (fitness to fly) in children with complex congenital heart disease.Heart.2018;104(16):1333-1338.doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312753
Bakthavatchalam R, Bakthavatchalam S, Ravikoti S, et al.Analyzing the outcomes of COVID-19 infection on patients with comorbidities: Insights from hospital-based study.Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55358. doi:10.7759/cureus.55358
Zhao D, Cheng S, Tsui FR, Mathur MB, Wang CH.The risk of aircraft-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission during commercial flights: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6):654. doi:10.3390/ijerph21060654
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19.
American College of Emergency Physicians.Heart attack.
Hu JS, Smith JK.In-flight medical emergencies.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(9):547-552.
Ho SF, Thirumoorthy T, Ng BB.What to do during inflight medical emergencies? Practice pointers from a medical ethicist and an aviation medicine specialist.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(1):14-17. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016145
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