Taking a flight after a heart attack? US cardiologist warns how flying can affect vulnerable heart

Thinking of flying off to a scenic island after recovering from your recent heart ailment?You should think again — at least cardiologists suggest so.If you’ve recently had a heart attack (or any heart-related issues), Dr. Dmitry Yaranov has some suggestions. In a recently shared post on Instagram, the “heart_transplant_doc” revealed how flying can put your vulnerable heart at risk.As Dr. Yaranov said, “If you’ve had a recent heart attack, stent, bypass, rhythm issues — or you’re living with heart failure, angina, valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease — you need to take flying seriously.”Although Dr. Yaranov’s words might trigger some kind of fear in people, the cardiologist says, it’s all about taking precautions — and being informed.But why exactly is taking a flight with a vulnerable heart risky?As per Dr. Yaranov, “Cabin pressure shifts, lower oxygen levels, limited movement, dehydration, and hidden emotional stress all force your heart to work harder to maintain balance. A healthy heart adapts instantly. A healing or vulnerable heart has to fight for that stability.”Let’s see what science says.When an airplane reaches cruising altitude, the cabin is pressurized — but only to about the equivalent of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. At that altitude, oxygen levels in the air — and therefore in your blood — are slightly lower than at ground level. To compensate, the heart may need to pump harder to deliver enough oxygen to the body's tissues.Moreover, cabin air is typically very dry. Low humidity can cause increased water loss through breathing, leading to dehydration. Now, dehydration thickens the blood, increasing circulatory strain, which is a challenge for a heart that is healing.Besides, prolonged sitting on long flights further compounds the problem. Lack of movement slows circulation, particularly in the legs, raising the risk of blood pooling or even clot formation (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). For someone post–heart attack, these changes in blood flow, oxygen levels, and hydration together can be risky.According to Dr. Yaranov (and other cardiologists), certain conditions make flying riskier after a heart attack, such as:For these people, flying could trigger complications: worsened oxygen supply, increased heart workload, dehydration-induced strain, or even clot formation.Medical research and cardiology guidelines advise caution. As per sources like the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and London Cardiovascular Clinic (LCC), people recovering from a heart attack (myocardial infarction) are generally advised to postpone flying for a period, depending on their recovery status. For a straightforward, uncomplicated heart attack, it’s recommended to wait for at least one to two weeks before flying. As per LCC and AAFP, if the heart attack was complicated (for example, involving unstable angina, heart failure, or requiring intervention), or if you underwent procedures such as angioplasty or stenting, the recommended waiting period is often longer — possibly 3 to 4 weeks or more. They also suggest completing a clinical evaluation — including tests like ECG, oxygen saturation, and functional exercise or stress tests — to ensure your heart is stable before you fly.In short, just because the hospital discharge papers are in hand doesn’t mean the heart is ready for take-off.If your doctor says you are stable and fit to fly, the following are some precautions that can help reduce strain on your heart.Stay well-hydrated: Drink water before boarding and throughout the flight; avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you further.Move frequently: Walk down the aisle every hour or two; do calf-raises, foot circles, or simple leg exercises in your seat if moving is difficult. Choose an aisle seat if possible — it’s easier to stretch and move without bothering fellow passengers.Carry medications and medical info in carry-on: Include prescriptions, recent discharge summary, ECG, and contact info of your doctor. Consider supplemental oxygen or medical approval if recommended by your cardiologist, especially if you have low oxygen saturation or weak heart function.Avoid salty, heavy meals or snacks on the flight, as high sodium can promote fluid retention and blood pressure spikes — it’s better to keep a safe distance from them.Use compression stockings for long flights, especially if you have a known risk of clotting.