Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during flights, and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can spike blood pressure. Engaging in small exercises or walking around the cabin helps improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Tips for flying safely with high blood pressure
Yes, as long as your high blood pressure is under control, flying is generally considered safe. However, it's essential to speak to your GP before booking your trip. They can advise on how to manage your hypertension while travelling, and what warning signs to look out for.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression stockings are tight-fitting socks or tights which can be worn during long flights. Compress socks help to provide extra pressure to your feet, legs and stomach, to improve the circulation of your blood and increase your blood pressure.
The best way to travel with high blood pressure on an airplane is to fly with medical support. Taking a private air ambulance or traveling with a medical escort helps you access the care you need while in the air.
If your blood pressure is higher than 120 over 80, seek medical advice before you travel.
Tricks to Lower Blood Pressure Instantly
5 be respectful of other passengers. 6 High heels, flip flops, and slides. 7 avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. 8 Over-sized coats can make economy class feel claustrophobic.
Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
American Society of Hematology guidelines do not recommend compression socks for low-risk travelers on short flights and recommend socks on longer flights only for people at high risk of blood clots. Studies in hospitals do show that compression socks prevent blood clots in people who have had surgery, Beckman said.
You have to tell your insurer about high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – before you take out your travel policy. This is because having high blood pressure raises your risk of having health problems such as strokes, heart attacks and aneurysms.
Physical illness and injuries on commercial flights
A hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure rises quickly and severely, with readings higher than 180/120 mm Hg. Blood pressure in this range can result in: Stroke.
Air travel increases the risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can then enter the bloodstream and block an artery in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. In some cases, the opening can allow the blood clot to enter the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.
Mindful breathing
Take a breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Try to make your exhale longer than your inhale. 💙 We all know how to breathe, but sometimes if we're nervous, a bit of guidance helps.
Medications to exercise particular caution with include narcotics, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, and sedatives, such as alprazolam and diazepam. Even zolpidem, a medication commonly used to prevent jet lag, requires permission in some countries and is prohibited in others.
Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medicine. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same.
They found using a cuff that was too small mistakenly resulted in higher blood pressure readings in 39% of participants, while using a cuff that was too large missed 22% of those who did have hypertension.
How does caffeine affect blood pressure? Caffeine may cause a brief rise in your blood pressure, even if you don't have high blood pressure. This short-term spike in blood pressure happens mainly in people who don't drink caffeine often, rather than in those who do.
Use the 3–3–3 rule when planning your next international trip 🌍✈️ 1️⃣ Book flights 3 months in advance for the best prices. 2️⃣ Plan your itinerary 3 weeks before your travel date. 3️⃣ Do your packing 3 days before departure.
Avoiding Jeans and Synthetic Fabrics
Jeans and synthetic fabrics like polyester are commonly avoided by frequent flyers. Stiff denim limits mobility and can dig into the stomach or legs during extended flights, while synthetic materials trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort.
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While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians.