Recommendations for Hypertension Patients During Air Travel

Most of us travel by air. However, for those with blood, heart and lung-related diseases, air travel can carry certain risks. It is worthwhile to take precautions and be careful in this regard. Liv Hospital Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Tekin Akpolat states that nearly all hypertension patients can travel by air comfortably and says: "The number of hypertension patients for whom flying is inadvisable is very small. Hypertension patients can even be pilots. However, it is not appropriate for patients with very high blood pressure or poor blood pressure control to fly."

Medications Must Always Be in Your Carry-On Bag

Whether it is a day trip or a longer journey, hypertension patients must carry their medications with them. If there are no problems in the baggage compartment where suitcases are transported, medications will not be damaged, but lost or delayed suitcases can be problematic. For this reason, it is better to carry medications in the cabin. Blood pressure monitors should also be carried with you, and preferably in the cabin. Nowadays, there are small blood pressure monitor models that measure from the arm and fit in a travel-designed carry-on bag. In case of emergencies, a blood pressure device available on the aircraft can also be used. If your doctor permits, you can take a sublingual medication with you for use in emergencies. You should not forget the risks of using sublingual medications without measuring blood pressure. This is because the symptoms of low and high blood pressure can sometimes be confused. Fear of flying can also cause stress and even panic attacks, leading to increased blood pressure. If necessary, professional support may be needed to calm down in this regard. Reading, solving puzzles, keeping yourself occupied with something, or taking a calming substance before the flight can help.

Note These Recommendations

1. Do not skip your medication schedule, even during the flight. 2. Avoid salty foods. 3. Sleeping during the flight can be beneficial. 4. Reading a book is also a good alternative; time passes quickly. 5. On longer flights, you need to walk around occasionally. 6. It is worthwhile to learn and practice exercises that can be done while sitting. 7. Arrive at the airport early, so you reduce the stress of missing your flight and create time for walking. 8. Short delays and waiting for baggage are opportunities to walk. 9. Get a flu shot; all hypertension patients should get a flu shot. In frequent travelers, the risk of flu has increased with air travel. Some nasal drops and certain medications used for flu can raise blood pressure. 10. On longer flights, select your menu in advance in a healthy manner. 11. If the medications you take include diuretics, sit near the aisle. 12. The headache you think is a migraine may be caused by high blood pressure. Some painkillers you use for headaches can raise blood pressure even further; you may have to go to the emergency room during your vacation. For this reason, if you have a headache, make sure to have your blood pressure checked.