Heart palpitations, a sensation of a racing, pounding, or fluttering heart, can be unsettling. They may feel like the heart is beating too fast, skipping beats, or even flip-flopping. For those who experience them, air travel often raises concerns about safety. While many palpitations are harmless, understanding flying’s impact on the heart is important.
How Flying Affects Your Heart
Air travel introduces physiological changes that influence the cardiovascular system. Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized to an altitude equivalent to 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. At this simulated altitude, lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen levels in the cabin air. To compensate, the body increases heart rate and cardiac output to ensure adequate oxygen delivery.
This compensatory mechanism can strain the heart, especially for those with sensitive cardiovascular systems. While most healthy individuals adapt without issues, those with underlying heart conditions might find this workload triggers or worsens palpitations. Stress and anxiety associated with travel, such as navigating airports or fear of flying, can also contribute. Dehydration, common during flights due to low cabin humidity, can further impact blood pressure and increase the heart’s workload.
When to Seek Medical Advice Before Flying
Consulting a healthcare professional before air travel is important if you experience heart palpitations. Seek advice if palpitations are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms can signal a more serious underlying heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat, requiring medical attention.
When discussing travel plans, provide detailed information about your palpitations, including their sensation, frequency, duration, and triggers. Inform your doctor about existing heart conditions, family history, and current medications. In some cases, a pre-flight medical evaluation, such as a hypoxia test, might be recommended to simulate cabin pressure and assess oxygen response. Medical clearance may be required, especially for those with unstable heart conditions or needing supplemental oxygen.
Strategies for a Smoother Flight
For individuals prone to heart palpitations, proactive measures can minimize discomfort and risk during air travel. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during your flight. Limit alcohol and caffeine, as they contribute to dehydration and can trigger palpitations.
Managing stress and anxiety associated with flying can be beneficial, as these emotional factors activate the body’s stress response and trigger palpitations. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can calm the nervous system. Practicing mindfulness or meditation before and during the flight can also divert focus from anxious thoughts. Adequate rest before your journey supports your body’s ability to manage stress. If you take prescribed heart medications, discuss proper management with your doctor, including carrying enough for your trip in hand luggage.
Responding to Palpitations During Flight
If heart palpitations occur during a flight, remaining calm is a first step. Employ relaxation techniques, such as slow, deep breathing, to regulate your nervous system. Focus on inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling gently through your mouth.
If palpitations are severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, promptly notify a flight attendant. Flight attendants are trained to handle in-flight medical emergencies, administer first aid, and access the aircraft’s medical kit and automated external defibrillator (AED). Airlines often have protocols to contact ground medical support for advice, and a pilot may decide a flight diversion is necessary for appropriate medical care.