Air travel no threat to heart conditions

LONDON, July 21 (UPI) -- Air travel poses no threat to those with heart conditions, and even those with serious heart disease can fly if precautions are made, British researchers say.

The new guidance, published in the journal Heart, says the main impact of air travel is breathing in air with a reduced oxygen content -- resulting in lower circulating oxygen levels in the blood -- in a pressurized environment, known as hypobaric hypoxia.

Air passengers already at high risk of angina, heart attack, heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms may be adversely affected by hypoxia, but the blood oxygen levels induced by flying "appear to have little or no adverse circulatory effects" and certainly not for short- and medium-haul flights, the guidance says.

There are also "airport stresses" such as security, the threat of terrorism and luggage handling that can impact cardiovascular health, but most airports provide "excellent services" to assist those with health problems or disabilities, the guidance adds.

Passengers with more serious forms of cardiovascular disorders can fly, but they should be sure to take their medication, don't overexert themselves and access in-flight oxygen and airport assistance, if necessary, the guidance advises.

The guidance points out that long flights double the risk of deep vein thrombosis -- blood clot -- but the risk is similar to that incurred during a long car, bus or train trip.