Flying

am I ok to fly with this Heart Rhythm problem?

[Jerry_NJ]

Well that may depend on the details of you and the flight, but I can say I've flown on commercial air a lot over the years, guess I have logged well over 500,000 miles.  Flying much less these days, but did fly round trip Newark/San Francisco last month.  

I suffer from AFib and have undergone open heart surgery a year ago.  Flying has never been a concern to/for me.

[Momto3]

I have flown with thousands of PVCs, no problem, other than feeling the PVCs.

[Bloke1981]

I used to be a medic in the Royal Air Force and had to deal with aeromedical evacuations of the sick and injured.

To my knowledge, the only problems where flying is concerned would be anything that is affected by changes to atmospheric pressure. Things like punctured lungs, intercranial pressure (Head injuries), ear canal problems and even minor things like loose fillings (Air trapped underneath expands).

As the heart is housed in an air tight space within the body, and the electrical conductivity within your heart goes on regardless of internal / external pressures (And certaily those pressures on a commercial flight!), I can't see it being any more of a problem to you than it is normally!

[Skippi]

Hi, I've flown overseas several times over the last few years with irregular heartbeat (33 hrs flight/waiting times, etc)., and am still here to tell the story....

[owlgirl]

Can I just say a Very big "THANK YOU " to everyone replying to my question it has made me feel a lot easier.

As I have not seen the cardiac specialist as this problem has just raised its ugly head I really was very worried.

I am due to become a grandma for the second time in early December and really would like to meet my Grandson (yes they told us it is a boy) and see my beautiful granddaughter again along with my lovely daughters.

[owlgirl]

Forgot to tell you what happened to me perhaps some of you have had this - for no known reason and out of the blue my head felt wiered as if I was going to pass out my lips felt a little numb and my heart was thumping.  I know my blood pressure was high and it really really frightened me.

This is why I am unnerved about flying and going so far away from home and family as I am a family person and would hate to think I was not going to see them again.

[Bon-Bon]

Hi owlgirl :  ).  I can relate to your concern as so many people here can.  

Back in Sept.  My only child was graduating as a US Marine and I had a 4-1/2 hr. airplane trip to take to be able to attend his graduation ceremony.  I was experiencing PVCs like crazy 24/7; but, was determined I was not going to let that stand in my way for my sons sake - very proud of his accomplishment/s and of course wanted to attend as his mom, etc.  

Nonetheless, I had to be wise and make good choices in taking care of myself......you know......all the nasty fears that can creep up on us thinking we might not make it through to see special events, etc.  I asked my doctor if it would be safe for me to be on a plane.  In my case, he told me that it would be just fine and found no concern for me not to.

I flew there.  Had a great 3 days!  Flew back.  All the time, I actually experienced the opposite of what I thought could happen.  I experienced a great reduction in the amount of PVC's both on the plane and off!

Congratulations on your upcoming grandsons birth.  I have a feeling you are going to do great!

[jondsam]

Shoot, I have flown a 10 hour flight while my heart was throwing a PvC every third beat, and suffering from acute anxiety disorder. psoriasis, and gout all at the same time!!  And I was fine!  Dont let your heart delegate your life!!!!

[owlgirl]

Many thanks by what you say it would appear that I have these PVC's, it is so frightening when they come on as you have no warning.

I had a cancer operation 2 years ago and I felt more in control then than I do now -this may seem strange but I could see what was happening and able to ring and say "help please I need the op now".  with this it just comes on so no control!!

[owlgirl]

Hi there, I have decided to go on my holiday after all your help so thank you, I will let you know how I went on my return,

[Bon-Bon]

Wonderful   :  )  I believe you are going to have a great time!  Have a wonderful day and  God Bless your upcoming new grandson.  

[owlgirl]

Thank you so much Bon-Bon, i am very grateful for your support.

I will let you know how I get on when I return on the 28th Nov.

[dolfnlvr]

I have read all of your postings and I must ask you a question.  What is your heart rhythm "issue?"  You say in your description that your "head felt wiered as if I was going to pass out my lips felt a little numb and my heart was thumping.  I know my blood pressure was high and it really really frightened me."

Now, I do not necessarily feel that what happened is dangerous, or not dangerous, but I do not think that what you described was a PVC.  And, without asking a medical professional, none of us can diagnose your specific "issue."  I think that flying will be fine, but I would suggest that you contact a doctor, describe your symptoms and ask their advice.  

As Bloke1981 said, the only issues are those that can be affected by changes in atmospheric conditions.  Well, if your issue is a benign arrhythmia, then flying would not be an issue.  However, if you are experiencing unexplained shifts in blood pressure that is causing the symptoms you describe then flying may not be the best choice at this time.

A medical professional will hear your description of symptoms and will be able to tell you their professional opinion without a full-out appointment.  You can certainly prepare an exam for when you've returned from seeing your family.

I don't mean this to be a damper on the conversation, but I simply cannot say that "if you have PVC's you'll be fine," when we don't know if what you experienced is from a benign arrhythmia, or if the thumping heart was a response to some other issue at the time of the incident.  Numb lips, and feelings of passing out are more likely a result of low blood sugar, SVT or bradycardia...all of which can lead to syncope (passing out...or nearly passing out).  Now...I've had all three of those things and I have not had a problem on a plane...BUT...unless you speak to a professional the comments here are based on personal opinions and experiences that may not match your own circumstances.

Good luck.  I do hope that you are there for the new baby.

[aeromachines]

I am a pilot and I hold a commercial license to fly.  I have AF and have had for 10 years.  If the FAA believes pilots can fly commercially under certain circumstances and in particular cases--you are most likely okay to fly.

[owlgirl]

Just to say Thank you for your help - much appreciated.

Arrived home safely from a super holiday, the only problem was the Lymphoedema on a couple of occasions but that did not spoil my enjoyment as I am used to it.

On the doormat was a letter from my Doctor with a prescription for Statins a request to have another blood test in 6 weeks time.

I go to see her tomorrow afternoon regarding seeing a Cardiologist and report on how I have been.

Take care all of you and thank you.