What heart condition prevents you from flying?


What heart condition prevents you from flying? Patients with severe or decompensated congestive heart failure (symptoms occur even when resting/any physical activity increases discomfort) should avoid flying. If travel cannot be avoided, on-board oxygen and medical assistance should be requested.


Can I fly if I have atrial fibrillation?

Patients with AFib can generally fly without issue. However, it is important that all patients are prepared. Firstly, patients should only fly if their disease is under control. Talk with your doctor to make sure that you are a good candidate for travel.


Can people with hypertension fly?

You can fly safely if your high blood pressure is controlled. Flying with unstable high blood pressure carries certain risks. Flying with a medical escort might help prevent any medical complications on board. In some cases, an airline company may refuse to have you on board because of medical complications.


Can you fly if you are on heart medication?

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 it on the plane with you.


Can you fly if you have cardiovascular disease?

Before flying, those who have heart disease or have undergone a cardiac procedure should discuss their plans with a doctor. Some of the risk factors that might affect that decision include an unstable heart condition, long flights, flying to a high-elevation destination, and personal risk for blood clots.


Can I go on a plane with arrhythmia?

It is extremely rare for significant arrhythmias to occur during air travel, and air travel itself does not cause clinically significant arrhythmias. Patients with arrhythmia can travel by plane safely if they are asymptomatic or clinically stable.


What blood pressure is too high for flying?

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


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 affect blood pressure?

Your blood pressure could rise
The higher you are in the sky, the less oxygen your body will carry, and less oxygen means higher blood pressure. If you typically have a regular blood pressure or even a low blood pressure, this increase will likely have no effect on you.


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.