Flying safe for heart

Tuesday July 20th, 2010

Patients with serious heart disease are safe to fly, according to guidelines published today.

The British Cardiovascular Society says heart patients should taken their medication and ensure they don't over-exert themselves travelling. They should also have access to oxygen and assistance at airports, it says.

Campaigners welcomed the guidance, published in the journal Heart.

Fears of deep vein thrombosis and low oxygen levels have caused concern about air travel.

The report says low oxygen levels, caused by low air pressure, pose the greatest threat - but there is no evidence that oxygen levels on flights pose a threat to the circulation.

It says a long-haul flight doubles the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis - but the risk is the same as if travelling by car, bus or train for a similar period.

The guidelines have been drawn up by a team led by Dr David Smith, from Exeter, Devon.

He writes: "For those with cardiovascular disease who are not critically ill, but who wish to fly on commercial aircraft, the aircraft environment does not pose a significant risk to their health."

June Davison, a specialist nurse with the British Heart Foundation, said: "This is great news for heart patients.

"Historically there's been some confusion about when and if people with heart and circulatory conditions can fly.

"These expert guidelines provide some clarity and show flying is safe for most people with heart and circulatory disease."

Heart July 2010 96; ii1-16

Tags: Heart Health | Traveller Health | UK News

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