arrhythimias on planes

I suffer from PAC's and PVC's (mostly PAC's) on a daily basis so I always take notice when I read an article concerning irregular heartbeats.  I've noticed when I read stories, usually about celebrities since their lives are always in the news, about people having arrythmia episodes a lot of these episodes occur on airplanes.  Why is that? If you're prone to arrythmias,is there more of a risk of suffering arrhythmias while on a commercial flight?  Could it have to do with a slight change in pressure from the altitude?  I'm planning to fly across the country soon and I'm very concerned about this.  I will be in the air for over 3 hours and I wanted to get your opinion on the chances of my suffering worse arrhythmias while flying.  Usually, I experience 5 to 6 episodes daily of PAC's and/or PVC's.  Could they get worse when I fly? Why do so many people seem to have episodes while flying? (not including being nervous about flying)

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Marianne,

Most of this has to do with the baseline anxiety that flying causes with many people and the fact that many people are drinking alcohol on these flights.  If your heart is otherwise healthy the pressurization of the cabin should not cause you any problems.  If you do have any problems with anxiety of air sickness, you may wish to discuss this with a physician prior to your departure.

[bobdust2008]

A related discussion, Junctional Rhythms? was started.