Has anybody had trouble with their afib whilst flying? I’m not going long haul, just to Spain but getting anxious which of course makes it worse.
I’m also on Amoxicillin antibiotic for an infection. Anybody experience the worsening of afib with this medication?
Thank you for reading this!
Flown quite a lot even in AF with no problem. I would mention that antibiotics can affect anticoagulation especially if you are on warfarin so if so maybe have extra INR test done.
Thank you Bob for your advice. I’ve read your posts- I do hope all is going well for you. Did you choose Warfarin rather than alternative anti coagulants?
I was told I didn't need to take anti coag any more two days ago...I was on Eliquis (Apixaban) from early April and had zero side effects.. You can stop it and start it at will. eg for a colonoscopy stop it 36 hours prior... I had zero bleeds even when I hit my head on the garage roof and got a cut... Air travel: I flew Chicago/Heathrow in July and had 3 intense day in London, crushed between a million lesbians in Trafalgar Square, then back to heathrow and rented a car for 4 days in Brighton and the South Coast...Then back to Chicago,.. Two lots of 6 hour jet lag included... Zero episodes of atrial flutter.. In 10 years the ambulance chasing lawyers will say Apixaban gives you 57 types of cancer, but for now I thought it was great, and simple and easy, and stop and start when you want
Bob I have had AF for many years and have flown all. Over the world. Don’t worry lovey go enjoy your self. AF is a pain in the backside I know 
Mary. Oh by the way I am 80. And flew to Spain this May !
Lovely to hear about your travels !
Hi - I have flown both long haul and short haul since my diagnosis (PAF) - my AF hasn't been a problem and only once had an episode while on a flight to Portugal - brought on by pre-flight fatigue and stress plus I suspect a chest infection - as usual it started overnight and was still with me when I boarded the flight at silly o' clock the next morning. I simply kept doing my meditation and breathing exercises drinking plenty of water and was back in NSR when we landed (late as the plane had to divert for another passenger with a suspected heart attack, put my palpitations into perspective at the time).
My advice would be not to worry about a flight to Spain - make sure you are relaxed and well rested before you fly, get ahead with your trip planning to avoid any stress before you leave, make sure you have any "pill in pocket" medication in your hand luggage, keep well hydrated before and on the flight and just lie back and look forward to relaxing in the sunshine in Spain.
Obviously you need to consider the frequency and intensity of your episodes - we are all different - but you will get replies from lots of forum members who travel regularly without a problem.
Enjoy Spain!
Liz
Exactly what I do - breathing and meditate with my earphones in.
Would add - the biggest trigger for an event whilst flying will be dehydration so do drink a lot more water than you would normally.
I'm a pretty frequent flyer and always been OK. I checked with my doctor and cardio who both said it's fine to fly with afib - including long haul. I think you will be fine.
Thank you
Never had a problem because of flying - ie it’s never actually triggered an event - actually it should help as you are in a pressurised environment. I have started out for the airport in AF and I have flown with AF and again - no problem.
The only thing I struggled with is the airports, the stress of the queues etc and having to stand so long in line so I then got airport assistance and that made all the difference as although I don’t need a wheelchair often, they will walk you through the ‘short’ route so you avoid the standing in line which makes the whole affair so much easier - but you do have to book well in advance.
Flown a couple if times to U.K. and had no worries, just try and see it as a normal day there’s no reason at all for it to be any diferent than you pottering in your daily life. I would though make sure you’ve plenty of time so you don’t get panics about other things.......
Sue
Very sensible suggestions- thank you
Cabin is set to 8000 feet and is not a problem for me . I fly regularly and if anything is going to set it off it is getting up in the middle of the night to get to the airport, so I try and stay nearby these days.
Done both & no problem (fingers crossed) Being anxious & excited doesn’t help, so relax, deep breath & keep well hydrated & you will be fine. Have a lovely holiday 🌞
Thank you so much- it’s so reassuring!
I'm off to Lanzarote next month and like you am concerned that it may all be too much for my ticker..
I have arranged assistance at both Gatwick and Lanzarote mainly because of the walking involved either end..
Enjoy your holiday!
And you enjoy yours!
The only problem I have while flying and for a couple of days after is swollen ankles. But I imagine thats about circulation.
Enjoy spain!
Same ankle problem with me. Put your feet up once you’ve arrived.
Yes I do but it still takes a few days, it would probably be ok if I wore the aeroplane socks but I dont like wearing them 😕
I agree- they are so uncomfortable
I’m flying from UK to Canada in 6 days, hoping for no AF and dreading the swollen ankles. I’ve bought an inflatable foot rest - will see if it helps 😊
Good idea. I may have a look for one.
Maria and Susangibbons , here’s a link to one I’ve already tried which is a great help. I’ve bought a bigger one (with choice of height) for my upcoming trip. It takes away the pressure on your thighs and makes the flight so much more comfortable x
Oh now thats a great idea I am going to look as well 👍
P.S. Don’t inflate it until you’re well up in the air or it might over-inflate itself ... you know, like a bag of crisps 😂
Hi there, the last time I flew which was 8 years ago, I was on warfarin. We hadn't been away for a long time because I couldn't get my husband to fly. Anyway well into flight and they were serving the food and my nose started to bleed. Never had any trouble before with bruising or cuts but this nose bleed went on for about 10 to 15 minutes. It was everywhere. Doctor said it was the warfarin and obviously build up of pressure. I wasn't allowed to move on the way back ha ha. So I think be prepared, it was just a one off. I always had trouble with warfarin, it never suited me. On riboraxavin now and have no problems at all. If your readings are good then I think everything will be fine. The AF which I was more worried about was fine. Have a good holiday and relax and laugh. X
I agree- laughing is so important! Thank you.
I always have palps after arrival which sometimes turns into full a/f. Fly long-haul only in business class so I can lay down but still get the prob. However always recover to enjoy fab holiday😀
In Valencia at the moment. Weather atrocious and expected to get worse!
I have flown to Australia return for the last three years with my AFib.
Have had no problems except swollen ankles/feet which is resolved by always wearing compression travel socks.
Agree with other folks advice -
use special assistance -keep drinking water-do walk about during the flight- do breathing exercises-relax & enjoy your flight.
I always carry my AFib medication including my pill in the pocket flecainide in my handbag.
Am 78 year old female.
Just come off a 5hr flight and was fine. It was the first time I had flown with AF and like you was concerned.
Stress is more of a problem as it brings on AF. Try not to worry and enjoy your holiday..
Thank you for your post. I’m glad to hear all was well.
Hi maria86. Try not to worry. I have had afib for two years now and travel all the time for work. I have never had any issues with afib whilst flying. Just completed a round trip UK New York Seattle UK and all was fine. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Spain. D
I have done many long haul flights and there has been no change in Afib. Make sure you have plenty of sleep before and after the flight and drink enough water.
Thank you Maria68 for your question. I'm taking my first long haul trip from Australia to Hawaii in a few months. I too have had concerns about flying however my EP gave me the go ahead and told me to go ahead and live my life. If i am ok with this trip i plan to fly to Europe next year. I'm female, 55 years old and am taking low dose flecainide and Verapamil twice a day. I am not on blood thinners. Enjoy your trip.
I'm not on blood thinners due to a chadvasc score of zero. My EP has no concerns about me flying overseas however i am a tad nervous. Just have to bite the bullet and trust his advice.
Thank you
My heart doctor told me no flying but I am in afib most of my day every day .I am doing all right at least I think I am. I have other health issues had cancer removed a year 1/2 ago had
raditaion have a partially collapsed lung from surgery. low blood pressure ashma, I am still physically active and try to not do the things the doctor does'nt want me to do. I would ask your doctor as I do know that sitting too long can cause blood clots and can cause a stroke.
Hope you can go and you do well. Carolyn
Thank you
Fly all the time with AFIB. Because I have chronic Bronchitis, I also use Amoxicillin a couple times a year without any problems. Don't worry nad if you are check with your Doctor, probably reassure you.
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