Is it safe to fly with chronic heart failure?

Is it safe to fly with chronic heart failure? Most patients with HF can travel when medically stable; patients with a ground-level oxygen saturation =90% or those in NYHA class III–IV might need an on-board medical oxygen supply. All medication and important documents should be stored in carry-on luggage.

Does flying make shortness of breath worse?

The air is 'thinner' because the pressure is less and, as a result, there is less oxygen. In fact, the concentration of oxygen falls from 21% at sea level, to about 15%. Most people will tolerate this, but, if you already have problems breathing, this will become worse.

Who should not travel to high altitudes?

Travelers with underlying medical conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, any form of chronic pulmonary disease or preexisting hypoxemia, obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], or sickle cell trait)—even if well controlled—should consult a physician familiar with high-elevation medical issues before undertaking such travel ...

What is the safest altitude to fly?

An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Is flying hard on your lungs?

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.

Can flying make heart failure worse?

Dehydration due to cabin pressure at high altitude can affect your blood pressure, causing exacerbation of heart disease. 2 This is especially problematic if you have heart failure, CAD, or an arrhythmia.

What heart conditions can you not fly with?

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. 3 And if you have an arrhythmia, a blood clot in your heart can lead to a stroke.

Can flying affect your heart rhythm?

Cardiac arrhythmia. Hypoxia and increased sympathetic activation may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias at high altitude²; however, the incidence of significant arrhythmias during air travel is rare.