TY - JOUR
T1 - Hearts in the sky
T2 - understanding the cardiovascular implications of air travel
AU - Katoch, Tavishi
AU - Pinnamaneni, Sravya
AU - Medatwal, Raunak
AU - Anamika, F. N.U.
AU - Aggarwal, Kanishk
AU - Garg, Shreya
AU - Jain, Rohit
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Air travel is widely regarded as the safest mode of transportation, with the United States leading in airline passengers. However, travelers with pre-existing heart conditions face acute cardiovascular risks. Flight pilots and cabin crew are particularly vulnerable to air travel's physiological changes, which can significantly impair their health and performance. Cabin pressure differences and reduced oxygen levels at cruising altitudes of 5000–8000 feet make air travel challenging for individuals with underlying cardiac and pulmonary problems. This, along with dry air, sleep deprivation, missed medication and prolonged sitting, can lead to physiological changes. In-flight and pre-flight stressors contribute to increased health issues, and studies show a rise in medical emergencies during flights. Prolonged exposure to the airplane environment can lead to various health issues for pilots and cabin crew. These changes include impaired judgment, cognitive function and discomfort in the sinuses and ears due to pressure differentials. Therefore, thorough medical screening, skilled instrument use and compliance with safety measures are essential to mitigate these risks. This article reviews the cardiac implications of air travel, discussing the underlying pathophysiology, associated risks and preventive measures to ensure safer flights for individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
AB - Air travel is widely regarded as the safest mode of transportation, with the United States leading in airline passengers. However, travelers with pre-existing heart conditions face acute cardiovascular risks. Flight pilots and cabin crew are particularly vulnerable to air travel's physiological changes, which can significantly impair their health and performance. Cabin pressure differences and reduced oxygen levels at cruising altitudes of 5000–8000 feet make air travel challenging for individuals with underlying cardiac and pulmonary problems. This, along with dry air, sleep deprivation, missed medication and prolonged sitting, can lead to physiological changes. In-flight and pre-flight stressors contribute to increased health issues, and studies show a rise in medical emergencies during flights. Prolonged exposure to the airplane environment can lead to various health issues for pilots and cabin crew. These changes include impaired judgment, cognitive function and discomfort in the sinuses and ears due to pressure differentials. Therefore, thorough medical screening, skilled instrument use and compliance with safety measures are essential to mitigate these risks. This article reviews the cardiac implications of air travel, discussing the underlying pathophysiology, associated risks and preventive measures to ensure safer flights for individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
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U2 - 10.1080/14796678.2024.2396257
DO - 10.1080/14796678.2024.2396257
M3 - Review article
C2 - 39301896
AN - SCOPUS:85204591573
SN - 1479-6678
VL - 20
SP - 651
EP - 660
JO - Future Cardiology
JF - Future Cardiology
IS - 11-12
ER -