For patients with AF, flying can be a daunting prospect. Firstly, provided your AF is well controlled and you are not extremely symptomatic, there is no reason why you can’t fly.
The following tips may help you have a worry-free trip.
- You should declare your AF to your travel insurer and consider buying specialist AF travel cover.
- It is important to take all the medications that you need and keep them in your carry-on luggage.
- It is advisable to keep well hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol on the flight.
- It is also advisable to mobilise frequently during the flight. This will reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs.
- Before leaving, look at medical centres in or close to your holiday destination just in case you have a medical emergency
- You can consider wearing a medical alert bracelet with information about your condition printed on it.
If you are a pilot and have AF, we recommend that you contact your regulatory authority and seek their advice before flying.
A very interesting and informative blog. I am 87, recently widowed, and have had permanent AF which was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I have had one heart attack in the past (stent inserted). Also, I take Apixaban twice daily. Thankyou, Sanjay for all your interesting and helpful articles. I always feel reassured after reading them on here.
I am an 86 year old male ,,new to the A Fib club, recently had two attacks, first one was treated with shock, second with procainamide…quite a jolt when it kicks in… question number one…which is less harmful to the heart..
second: when should you consider .oblation? which treatment is less harmful to the heart…….are these attacks a prelude to a heart attack? Have had blood tests and waiting for an ultra sound ….