Can you still fly after having a heart attack? What the airlines say

After suffering a serious 'widow-maker' heart attack and having two stents fitted, I know that the thought of stepping on a plane can fill you with terror. In fact, I believed I would be too terrified to ever fly again - until I found out the truth about flying after a heart attack.

So, forget the sites that are written on the subject by people who've never suffered a heart attack - read on to find out the facts about flying after an attack from someone who knows.

Having a heart condition or recovering from a heart attack can seem daunting when it comes to flying, but here I look at advice that helped me fly again and tell more about my own journey back into the air.

Let's be clear, though, my best bit of advice I can give is that you should always talk to a medical professional regarding flying with a heart condition before you book. 

Here’s Pete Barden's at-a-glance guide to air travel for travellers who’ve suffered a heart attack or undergone cardiac surgery. 

Have you or someone you know had a heart attack or other related condition? Here's some information to help you get back in the air  (Credit: Pxhere.com)

Should I fly after a heart attack or other heart condition?

Of course there are circumstances related to heart health that will prevent you from flying, but in many cases a previous heart attack or other coronary condition should not be a barrier to booking your flight tickets.  

The British Cardiovascular Society has published guidelines on air travel for those with heart-related conditions. This report concluded the vast majority of people with a stable heart condition should be able to fly safely, but some could need help in the airport and additional in-flight oxygen.

Those with unstable heart conditions are more likely to hold off from flying until they are more stable through medication, surgery or other methods of management.

Check with your doctor to see where you are on this before you book a seat – and ensure you buy travel insurance – declaring your heart condition – as soon as you book your trip to ensure maximum protection if something should change to prevent you from flying.

Flying after a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

For many people who have had a heart attack – where a coronary article becomes blocked – it is often okay to fly after a period 7-10 days if there were no complications.

If the artery was rapidly cleared using the likes of angioplasty and stents, it is possible that the person could be fit to fly in just 3-4 days.

However, if there are complications, this period of time could be extended, so always speak to your medical specialist to ensure you are fit to fly before booking.

Flying if you have angina

If your symptoms are stable – where the chest pain is predictable and occurs through gentle exercise – then angina is not likely to stop you from flying.

However, if the condition is considered to be unstable, where it comes on during rest, then you may be advised not to fly.

Have a chat with your doctor to discuss your angina and suitability for flying.

Flying with heart failure

Heart failure is typically where the heart muscle is weakened and, to varying degrees, it less able to efficiently pump blood around the body. However, if the person is managed efficiently and the heart failure is largely stable, then it will not be a bar to flying.

Breathlessness is a common symptom of the condition, so a little extra help may be needed at the airport, but would not usually be a bar to flying – just speak to the airport support provider to discuss the likes of transport within the terminals.  

If the breathlessness develops while at rest, you are likely to need to get a certificate that you are fit to fly from your doctor. Speak to your airline for more information.

Flying with a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillators 

Flying with a pacemaker fitted to control your heart rhythm should not be a problem for most. The devices are now designed not to be affected by airport screening – but always mention you have one fitted – and they won’t interfere with on-flight control systems.

Such devices have been known to set off security alarms, so ask your doctor to provide a letter with details of the device. You could be asked to pay £10-£30 for this from your regular GP.

Flying after heart surgery

If you have recently undergone major surgery, this could be a coronary artery bypass or replacement of a heart valve, you should wait a minimum 10 days – and until you can manage normal daily activities before flying.

You may need to ask for additional help at the airport with carrying luggage or travelling through the airport terminal.

Again, you will need to speak to your surgeon or specialist for more advice on your case.

Flying with high blood pressure

Blood pressure is unlikely to limit your ability to fly. However, it is advisable to get extremely high blood pressure stabilised regardless of travel plans.

Low blood pressure can be a problem for some, too, as it can cause fainting and other issues. Speak to your doctor if you suffer any symptoms from low blood pressure.

What if I have a heart attack on a plane?

If someone has a heart attack or other serious incident on a plane, it is likely the aircraft will divert to the nearest airport to seek expert medical assistance.

In the case of cardiac arrest, which requires instant action to save a life, most airlines ensure their planes are carrying a defibrillator which can be used by on-board crew in an attempt to save the patient and restart their heart and get them expert treatment on the ground.

Where to pack medication for my heart and other conditions on a plane?

Carrying heart medication on planes can land you in trouble if you don’t follow the rules, Here’s what major airlines flying from the UK say about packing medication when flying.

What airlines say about flying with heart problems

Air New Zealand           

What the airline says: Remember to pack medications you might need at the airport, on the plane or on arrival at your destination in your carry-on baggage. Civil aviation rules now require medicines to have a pharmacy printed label. For liquids in containers over 100mL, we recommend you also carry a letter from your doctor.

American Airlines         

What the airline says: American Airlines will typically let passengers carry medication in the cabin, but there are several caveats. See the full list here from the TSA.

British Airways

What the airline says: If you need to take medication, including liquid medication or syringes, pack it in your hand baggage too (if possible, in its original packaging). To avoid delays at airport security, also take a prescription or supporting letter from your doctor that confirms it is prescribed to you.

easyJet

What the airline says: If you’re putting medicines in your hold luggage, you must pack them separately from any other items and provide a doctor’s certificate confirming that you need them while you’re away from home.

Jet2    

What the airline says: Passengers should keep essential medication in their hand baggage and not check it in to the aircraft hold. We also recommend that a doctor’s note accompanies all medication

Ryanair             

What the airline says: You are allowed to carry liquid medicine as required for your flight. The medicine does not need to fit in the transparent bag but you should have it ready for inspection by airport security. Passengers are permitted to carry syringes in the aircraft cabin, if they are needed for medical reasons (for example a diabetic passenger). However, passengers should carry a doctor's letter confirming their requirements.

TUI       

What the airline says: You can take medication on board your TUI flight. However, you'll need to make sure you bring a doctor's letter or repeat prescription, too - especially if your medication is a liquid, as you'll need this at security.

Virgin Atlantic 

What the airline says: Make sure you have a letter from your medical practitioner confirming the type of medication (including the generic drug name), with prescribed doses, what the medication is for and any other medical items required, such as syringes or EpiPens. The medication should be in its original packaging, pharmaceutically labelled to clearly identify it as being prescribed for and belonging to you.

Wizz Air          

What the airline says: When carrying medication in a liquid form, please check the safety regulations for carrying liquids on board. In cases where you need to carry essential medications, such as insulin, you will need to have a medical certificate with you confirming that you need the medication and present this document at the airport security if required.

This article is for general guidance only. Speak to a medical professional for individual advice on your situation.

 

About us: Pete Barden Motoring and Travel News

See our privacy page here