The Impact of Air Travel on Cardiovascular Health

Introduction:

Air travel is the fastest transportation that helps people travel far. Air travel has many benefits, but it also has many risks to health, particularly cardiovascular health. If an individual has heart disease and travels on a flight, the person might die due to the heart issue. Many emergencies landed on the plane, and most of the emergencies were due to heart attacks. Stroke and heart attacks are the major problems and causes of death. The death in the flight can be due to the decreased oxygen levels and high altitude. People with a heart condition should follow a specific recommendation during traveling to help decrease the risk of heart failure. People also need to be aware of various risks associated with the heart condition and take necessary precautions to prevent the issue. People also should take necessary medications and the cardiologist's number with them. They also should inform the airport authorities about heart disease before traveling.

What Are the Causes of Cardiovascular Health Issues During Air Travel?

Several factors can lead to cardiovascular health issues during air travel. They are as follows:

• Hypoxia: When a flight moves to a high-altitude area where the air pressure is low, it leads to reduced oxygen levels. This situation will lead to a condition called hypoxia (the condition in which the blood vessels of the human body get constricted). This will put pressure on the heart and cause chest pain.

• Dehydration: The person spends long hours on the flight because of traveling to distant places. The environment in the plane is dry, in which there is low humidity. This will lead to the loss of moisture due to sweating and breathing. The moisture loss causes blood thickening, blood clot formation, and dehydration.

• Prolonged Sitting: In-plane people sit for long hours with their legs extended down. This causes reduced blood circulation in the body and legs. This will lead to blood clot formation in the legs and the condition called deep vein thrombosis. If the clot moves to the lungs, it causes pulmonary embolism.

• Stress and Anxiety: Some people have a fear of flights. Sometimes flight cancellations and delays can increase stress. This will lead to an increase in heart rate, affecting the cardiovascular system.

• Disruption of Daily Activities: Plane travel disrupts the daily routine of people. Daily activities include exercise, sleep patterns, and healthy eating habits. A lack of the above factors can cause cardiovascular risk factors.

• Cosmic Radiation: Cosmic radiation is exposure to high altitudes where the earth's atmosphere shielding is low. This can affect the cardiovascular system.

What Are the Symptoms of Having Cardiovascular Symptoms During Air Travel?

The symptoms of cardiovascular symptoms during air travel vary in every individual. If an individual is experiencing any of the below symptoms during air travel, then there is a need to inform the flight crew member to get medical attention. Generally, the symptoms are as follows:

• An individual may have chest pain, tightness, and pressure. The pain might radiate to the left arm, back, or neck.

• The person may face difficulty breathing, or there can be rapid breathing.

• Irregular heartbeat.

• Cardiac arrhythmias.

• An individual may feel faint or dizzy, especially while standing or upright.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Sweating.

• Fatigue.

• Weakness.

What Is the Impact of Air Travel on Cardiovascular Health?

Air travel has short-term and long-term effects on the cardiovascular system. The short and long-term effects on cardiovascular health are as follows:

1. Short-Term Effects: The effects will remain for a short period and disappear. The effects are as follows:

• Hypoxia (decreased oxygen levels).

• Dehydration.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Increased heart rate.

• Jet Lag: The plane travel disturbs the body's circadian rhythm. This can cause jet lag. This will lead to an increase in stress levels, fatigue, and sleep pattern disturbances. These factors have an impact on cardiovascular health.

2. Long-Term Effects: The effects which remain for a long time. The long-term effects on the cardiovascular system are as follows:

• Deep vein thrombosis.

• Pulmonary embolism.

• Radiation exposure.

• Daily healthy habits disruption.

How to Reduce the Complications of Developing Cardiovascular Health During Air Travel?

People should follow preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular health complications during air travel. The preventive measures are as follows:

• Consultation With Healthcare Provider: An individual should consult with the healthcare provider before traveling. This will help assess the cardiovascular health situation, concerns, and any advice to prevent heart attack or stroke.

• Stay Hydrated: The reduced humidity levels in the plane lead to dehydration. So to overcome dehydration, an individual should drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated. People should avoid products that increase dehydration. They should not consume alcohol and caffeine because this will increase dehydration.

• Movement: Sitting for long hours will increase the risk of blood clot formation. To avoid blood clot formation, an individual should perform stretching and flexing exercises such as leg stretching, ankles rotating, and calves flexing.

• Manage Stress: People should follow stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and listening to music. This will help in maintaining stress and provide relaxation.

• Wear Compressive Stockings: An individual should wear compressive stockings during traveling. It will increase blood circulation and reduce clot formation.

• Maintain Healthy Habits: Individuals should eat healthy food, reduce alcohol consumption, and limit salty food. An individual should take proper sleep before the start of the journey.

• Follow Medications: An individual should follow medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Blood thinning drugs should be taken to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

• Emergency Plan: An individual should carry medical information with them. The information includes heart disease information and emergency contact details.

Conclusion:

Air travel has short-term and long-term effects on cardiovascular health. Factors like dehydration, stress, hypoxia, radiation exposure, sitting for long hours, and disruption of healthy habits can lead to cardiovascular diseases during air travel. The symptoms include increased heart rate, hypoxia, and deep vein thrombosis.

People should follow specific recommendations provided by the healthcare provider. If an individual has any pre-existing heart conditions, then there is a need to consult with the healthcare provider to get a proper prescription before the start of the journey. Take proper precautions during air travel, reducing the chances of worsening cardiovascular symptoms. This will also help an individual to enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.