I am 56 years old. Three years ago I had a heart attack which was caused by prolonged, very severe stress. Now I feel rather well, although sometimes I use nitroglycerin and the ailments disappear within a dozen or so minutes. I learned to control my emotions, I was and I am active, I walk in the Tatras. I only limited physical exertion in everyday life. My blood pressure has always been low or very low (90/60). As in six months I will be flying for the first time in my life, my family is wondering, or actually wondering, whether such a flight will be completely safe for me. Can I have its consequences and how can I prevent them?
Air travel is not a contraindication for people with a heart attack 3 years ago. Of course, it is different when you have a short 2-3-hour flight in Europe, and differently when it is a several-hour transatlantic cruise. No special precautions are required for short flights - just remember to take your medication with you in your hand luggage. Due to the stricter aviation regulations, it is worth obtaining a medical certificate confirming the use of drugs (ideally when such a certificate is issued in English). In the case of longer, transatlantic flights, it is important to take care of your legs, because they are exposed to various ailments during the flight - you have to move your legs from time to time, straightening and bending them at the ankle and knee joints. As far as possible, walk on the plane when this behavior is permitted by the crew announcements. Adequate hydration is important - you need to drink mineral water and juices. On long flights, these drinks are usually displayed at the stewardess' count for free use by passengers. Alcoholic beverages are not recommended as they cause dehydration. Sometimes it is worth ordering a low-s alt diet to avoid swelling on the feet. It is necessary to book such a diet in advance by telephone with the airlines. My personal opinion is that people who travel by air are more affected by stress than by travel conditions - so please remember not to stress.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Krystyna KnyplInternist, hypertensiologist, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta dla Lekarzy".
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