In many cases, people’s fears of flying stem from fantasies about potential disasters. And when you include those who have chronic conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, the concerns multiply.
So, can you fly with high blood pressure?
When people fly, their bodies undergo a dramatic change in altitude. People who live or visit places with high elevations frequently experience headaches and nausea. The pressurized chamber prevents most of these symptoms from manifesting themselves normally.
People with high blood pressure might soar to great heights if their condition is under control.
However, there are several safety measures you should take if you suffer from high blood pressure and plan to fly. This article discusses the potential dangers to your health while flying and offers advice on how to minimize such risks.
Okay, so let’s begin!
Can You Fly With High Blood Pressure?
For some people, flying is stressful because of the security checks, long wait times, and limited time. If you’re nervous about flying, coming to the airport early will help ease your mind. There is the possibility of spending the night in an airport lounge before a very early flight.
There is a significant difference in hotel costs depending on location and amenities, so it’s crucial to think about your specific requirements before making reservations. Give yourself plenty of time to pass through security and bring a prescription and any required medications in your carry-on. The pharmacist at your local UK drugstore can tell you the brand names and generic names of drugs that are the same.
If you have hypertension and are worried about developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), we have produced a useful infographic that describes easy exercises you can do while in the air to lower your risk of developing DVT.
Blood pressure changes due to high altitude:
Most of the time, a blood pressure reading of 130 over 80 is used to describe high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. Most credible studies suggest that half or more of all Americans suffer from hypertension.
Due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events caused by the disease, over half a million people passed away in 2019.
There is no elevation at which high blood pressure is not dangerous. However, studies have found that people living at higher elevations have an even greater chance of developing hypertension.
Some other health risks may also exist.
Some examples of trustworthy, high-altitude operators are as follows:
- A decrease in blood oxygen levels
- Hypertension of the pulmonary arteries is a medical disorder defined by abnormally high blood pressure in the lungs.
- Increase in the absolute percentage and number of red blood cells in the bloodstream right ventricular insufficiency
- Elevated arterial blood pressure
- There is an increased risk for these problems in people who live or frequently visit locations at altitudes more than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. The typical cruising height for a plane is above 9,000 meters (30,000 feet) in the air.
You won’t feel the effects of someone being at such a high altitude thanks to the pressurization systems in aircraft.
Risks Associated with Flying While Hypertensive:
People whose high blood pressure is now under medical control do not increase the risk of illness. However, the risk becomes far more serious when hypertension is either out of control or severe.
Keeping tabs on how much less flying improves your heart health is not well-documented. However, a study done in 2021 found that even in those with healthy hearts, blood pressure increased by 6% during commercial flights.
When worry and other problems are added to the mix, they may make symptoms worse and raise blood pressure.
There are many common reasons why passengers need medical assistance on flights, including:
- A lack of oxygen leads to fainting, dizziness, and maybe nausea and vomiting
- Seizures, a Physiological Disturbance
- In a number of these life-or-death scenarios, hypertension is a contributing factor.
- One’s risk of developing a blood clot is enhanced not just by being overweight, but also by having high blood pressure or being on a plane.
Suggestions for those who are traveling with hypertension:
People who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure should talk to their doctor about medications and changes to their lifestyle. If you have high blood pressure and need medication, be sure to bring it with you on the plane.
Dry air in the cabin has been shown to raise blood pressure because dehydration makes the body hold on to more water. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.
Further guidance for people with hypertension who will be flying:
- Consult your physician before setting off on your journey.
- Avoid being dehydrated by limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks.
- Airplane meals may include high quantities of sodium, which can increase your blood pressure, so be careful.
- Do not take any sedatives or other drugs that could cause you to become sleepy.
- Avoid using decongestants if you have high blood pressure.
- Wear comfortable, breathable garments.
- You should get up and walk about every two hours if you want to keep your health and energy levels up during the travel.
- Try doing some simple exercises in your seat to keep the blood circulating in between walks.
- If you have any issues or health concerns, please inform the flight attendants.
If I have high blood pressure, how safe is air travel?
If your blood pressure is under control, flying is still a safe option.
The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is higher for people with hypertension who also often travel by air (DVT). A pulmonary embolism, which could kill you, could be caused by a blood clot that has formed in one of your veins.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more likely to happen on flights because people sit for a long time. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more common in people with high blood pressure who travel long distances by airplane. People with high blood pressure can reduce the chance of this happening by taking all the right steps.
Hypoxemia, which is a drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood, can happen even in an airtight cabin when traveling at high altitudes. Those with high blood pressure may be safe, but those with heart disease are more likely to get it.
Conclusion:
You can avoid blood pressure problems while traveling if you get your blood pressure checked and get treatment if you need it. Make sure you have enough of any prescription drugs you need to last the duration of your trip.
