Flying and AF

[Abseil]

Hi, does anyone know if flying, in itself, raised the heart rate? My went up dramatically but no palpitations or arrhythmia. Didn’t feel stressed particularly but maybe I was without realising it 🤷‍♀️. Didn’t know if flying in a pressurised cabin may cause it?

[BobD Volunteer]

Altitude makes the heart work harder of course. Aircraft pressurised cabins are not at sea level. My understanding is that at 30,000ft you are breathing air equivalent to at 9,000ft. I'm not privvy to airline strategies but since the presurisation stystem runs off the engines it is possible that to save fuel they may be running a little higher theoretical.

We are of course all different and whilst some may not notice others could.

[Abseil in reply to BobD]

Thank you

[Kennyb1968]

Does do it to me occasionally

[Desanthony]

Never done it for me but it’s possible that for some this will happen. The higher you go the thinner the air. aircraft are usually pressurised to around 8 - 9 thousand feet. I don’t know how often that system would be teated but it would be very regularly. Most people are slightly anxious and tired when flying and couple that with early mornings to get to the airport in time and getting through the airport and if on long haul eating at odd times and time changes (also changing medication timings to fit in with time changes it’s not surprising that it could have an effect.

[Bagrat]

Pulse goes up if you are dehydrated. This could be a contributing factor.

[Abseil in reply to Bagrat]

Yes I wondered if that might be a cause. I’m trying to drink more water. Thank you for your response.