Fear of flying means worrying about an unlikely tragic event for many people. But for people with chronic conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, other concerns arise.
When people fly, their bodies are at a much higher altitude than they are used to. Although high altitudes can bring on symptoms such as headaches and nausea, these symptoms typically occur in people who live or visit high altitudes. In an airplane, cabin pressure prevents most of these symptoms.
People with high blood pressure can certainly fly, especially if their condition is under control.
However, if you have high blood pressure and are considering flying, you should take precautions. This article explores the risks and what to do to prevent health problems during your trip.
How does altitude affect blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is described as an analysis above 130/eighty mm Hg in maximum people. About half of all Americans have some degree of high blood pressure.
This condition increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and contributed to the deaths of more than half a million people in 2019 alone.
Risks associated with high blood pressure exist at any altitude. However, studies have shown that people who live at high altitudes are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Other fitness dangers at excessive altitudes include:
low oxygen levels
pulmonary arterial hypertension
right heart failure
Increased production and concentration of red blood cells
hypertension
Many of these complications develop in people who live or spend long periods at altitudes of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) or above sea level. Airplanes typically fly at an altitude of more than 9,000 meters (30,000 feet) above sea level. However, the physical effects of being at this altitude are usually avoided because of the way pressure is controlled inside the aircraft cabin.
Risks of flying with high blood pressure
In general, people who control high blood pressure with medication are not at increased risk for developing health problems at high altitudes. However, this risk increases if blood pressure is severely high or poorly controlled.
There is little data tracking changes in heart health as a result of irregular travel. However, a 2021 study found that even healthy men without heart disease experienced a 6 percent increase in blood pressure during commercial flights.
Anxiety and other problems that may arise during a flight can also contribute to symptoms and increased blood pressure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical emergencies occur on about one in every 600 flights.
The most common medical emergencies during flights include:
Fainting or dizziness
Breathing problems
Nausea or vomiting
Heart problems
Strokes
Some of these emergencies may be due to high blood pressure. The risk of blood clots also increases during air travel and in people with high blood pressure.
Tips for flying with high blood pressure
If you’ve got excessive blood pressure, communicate for your physician approximately handling it with remedy and way of life changes. If you take regular medications to control your blood pressure, take them with you on the flight.
Dry cabin conditions can also lead to dehydration, which can sometimes cause your blood pressure to spike. Make certain you drink sufficient water and live hydrated before, during, and after your flight. Here are a few different guidelines for human beings with excessive blood strain who plan to fly:
Talk to your doctor about your travel plans.
Limit alcohol and caffeine during the flight to avoid dehydration.
Keep in mind that airline food can be high in sodium, which can increase your blood pressure.
Avoid sedatives and sleeping pills during the flight.
Don’t use decongestants, which can increase your blood pressure. Wear loose, cushy clothing.
Stand up and walk around every two hours or so during the flight. Keep transferring around among flights and do easy sporting events on your seat to sell circulation.
Report any medical concerns or symptoms you start to experience to the flight crew.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a blood pressure monitor on a plane?
Yes, medical devices, including blood pressure monitors, are permitted in carry-on baggage. However, there may be some restrictions for devices containing lithium batteries or other prohibited materials.
Is blood pressure medication allowed in my carry-on?
Yes, prescription medications are allowed on board. It is best to carry an adequate supply of blood pressure medications. Keep medications in their original containers with the prescription information marked.
Can I take motion sickness medications, like Dramamine, if I have high blood pressure? Will it interfere with my blood pressure medication?
Dramamine and other forms of dimenhydrinate are not known to interfere with blood pressure medications and should be used safely with or without blood pressure medications.
It is always a good idea to consult your doctor about possible interactions between prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Takeaway
For most people, flying is a safe way to travel and doesn’t affect most health conditions. Spending too much time on airplanes or traveling with uncontrolled blood pressure can be more dangerous. You can reduce your chances of developing blood pressure complications from flying by checking your blood pressure before your flight. Make sure you bring enough medication to last you the entire trip
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