You may want to travel by plane or need to fly home soon after your heart event
It is usually safe to travel by plane when you have heart disease, but everyone is different. It depends on a number of things, including how long the flight will take and how long after your procedure or event you will be travelling. It is best to seek your doctor’s advice.
Once you have the okay from your doctor, here are some tips:
- Ask your doctor for a medical clearance. Some airlines have different rules if you have more than one heart condition. Be sure to read the airline’s medical clearance policy on their website.
- Have a letter from your doctor naming your medicines and the doses.
- Make sure that your travel insurer approves cover for your heart condition. You may be asked to complete a medical assessment, and your cover may be more expensive.
During the flight
- With your usual medicines labelled, carry them in your hand luggage with the letter from your doctor naming the medicines and their doses.
- Carry the contact numbers of your local doctor and specialists.
- Wear compression stockings below the knee, to avoid blood clots in the legs.
- Drink water during the flight to avoid dehydration. You may feel more dehydrated than usual because of the pressure in the plane. This can affect your blood pressure which is why it will be important to drink more water than normal. Avoide caffeine and alcohol, which can also be dehydrating.
- Move often during your flight, move your legs and feet for three to four minutes per hour while seated and walk down the aisle occasionally.
- If you find flying stressful or uncomfortable, listening to calming music or reading a book can help you to occupy your mind and pass the time.
Flying on small planes or charter planes
Just like if you are travelling on a large, commercial plane, it's important to ask your doctor whether you are healthy enough to be able to fly on a small plane or charter plane. You may need medical clearance to fly.
Flying on small planes can be different due to the smaller confined spaces. You may also experience some more turbulence than you would flying on a larger aircraft. Try your best to relax while on the flight by distracting yourself with music, a movie or a good book. If you have concerns, always speak with your doctor before arranging a flight.
