Flying for 28 hours with risk of Afib

[Rosemarie61]

Just had a short episode of Afib. I had 2 longer episodes in 2015 (cardioversion needed) and 2018 ( reversed with medication) since then no problems.

I felt pretty tired and rundown over the last few weeks and had the odd heart palpitations.

Tonight I had this very short, probably about a minute, episode with my heart rate going up to 180. I'm supposed to fly from New Zealand to Germany on Friday and now I'm worried that something will happen during the flight. Flight time alone is 28 hours in two stages.

I will of course see my doctor tomorrow and see what he says. The trip itself is to attend a wedding and other family celebrations followed with three weeks in London for work.

I wonder if I'm asking for trouble with this kind of schedule and should rather stay home.

Just a bit scared and unsure at the moment.

Would welcome any thoughts. For info: I'm 58 and not that fit

Thanks

[Dawsonmackay]

If your gut feeling says don't go. I'd listen to yourself. That sounds like a lot of work/stress/ and anxiety (if things go awry) for the next three/four weeks.

[Hidden]

My normal long haul flights are usually Heathrow to Sydney (via HK or KL) of around 21 hours. Never had AF on any journey. Never. I am on Warfarin and have often had raised INR blood levels whilst in Oz, but that's all.

Only you know how your body deals with stress, I mean really deals with stress. If you find that stress ( in a normal home environment) is enough to trigger AF then I'd review the situation, maybe reduce the time you are in work mode.

Families and work are ideal stressors.

If on the other hand AF is triggered by alcoholic or ice cold drinks and/or food, then you know what to do. Just make sure if you do fly that you keep very, very well hydrated (with WATER).

28 hours is a long time - any chance of you doing it in three stages, or if you must do it in 2 stages then have a break of one or 2 nights in a ground based hotel.

Good luck with your decision.

John

[Hidden]

I think it depends on how bad you want to attend. If you dont care that much, I wouldnt exert the energy. A 28 hour flight sounds awful to me. But on the other hand if it is a really important event you dont want to miss, go and try and get as much rest as you can.

[Izzle]

Hi Rosemarie

I've been in the same boat and although I have clearance from my GP and heart specialist I'm still not comfortable mentally to do the NZ to UK flights to see my family.

I recently went to Perth for the spring flowers, which is an 8 hour direct flight from Auckland, but decided to split it with two night stop overs in Melbourne. Long story short, of my 14 days away, 7 were in AF and that included two of the 4 hour flights. I was fine but I still don't feel confident to go back to the UK.

My triggers include stress and dehydration, both of which I experienced on the flights so I probably brought the episodes on myself.

Please let us know how get on.

Alan

[Ianc2]

As John says do it in stages with 3 x 10 hour flights if you can, or 2x14 stopping in Dubai or somewhere similar, If you can't do it in stages go and raid your piggy bank and pay for business class so you can get to sleep. and get off the plane still looking human. Sometimes it is better to buy a round the world ticket rather than an out and return as it can work out cheaper but it's probably a bit late for that

You will probably be given blankets and a pillow. If you are going to wear eyeshades and earplugs try them out before you get on the plane. Be aware that the outside of the plane gets very cold so take some warm clothes for the overnight leg. I flew with Singapore Airlines and found them to be very good. They had a central refreshment area where you could wander up and help yourself.

I rarely sleep on aircraft and last time I got off a flight from Sydney to Heathrow I didn't sleep . I felt like a complete zombie and crashed out the moment I got home and slept for about 10 hours. If I ever have to do it again I would pay for a business upgrade without a backward glance.

If you are coming back for business reasons, as well as the wedding, is there any chance of getting your business partners/employers to put in for a paid upgrade on your behalf. It will still cost you, but perhaps not as much as it would do otherwise?

You may be putting yourself under stress worrying about this trip. I was 71 when I did it. When ever I caught myself thinking about it I used to go for a brisk walk for about half an hour if I could.

[Rosemarie61]

Thanks so much guys. After consulting with my doctor I've decided I will go. Other family members flying as well so that helps. I have read all the suggestions and will make sure to get some sleep and stay hydrated. Business class would have been lovely but is out of question I will let you all know how I got on. Thanks again for your support, it has helped immensely. Take care

[Bambi65]

GO!!!! If your afib sneaks into your luggage dont be surprised. Just pack for it also in your carry on. Live your life and dont allow the monster to rob you of memories and fun

[Jfarreast]

Don't know if this will reach you in time, but I take melatonin Or L-theanine (an amino acid) during long flights. Here it is called Relicalm It will help you sleep through half of the flight with no hangover.

I leave South Africa for USA (30 hour journey) on the 25th to have my 4th ablation. I will arrive more refreshed. Travel well.