hi guys Does anyone think it’s a good idea getting on a plane at the airport when your AFib has started there and you feel awful? If you tell anyone in uniform I’m sure they’d say no - don’t get on. So what’s the best course of action get on and don’t tell anyone or go home ? I had this problem recently and was pretty undecided what to do. Fortunately for me I went back into SR just before the last call to board ! Cheers Harry
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Harrythmia
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In May I had the delightful experience of flying trans Atlantic in AFib for most of the flight. I think it was the rather stiff G & T I was served before lunch that did it, and left me wondering what does happen if you have a stroke mid Atlantic??
It was not a comfortable thought but I took a Diazepam along with my Bisoprolol, watched a couple of films and tried not to think about it, fairly successfully as it turned out.
If our esteemed BobD were here he would tell you about his experiences of going ahead with plans including flying despite AF, so I’ll do it for him. Basically as long as you can walk unaided, go!
Totally agree Buff ........... my experiences have all been long haul ...... Sydney/ Melbourne via Hong Kong. I put in my cabin baggage all my required pills, my Coaguchek device, test strips, lancets and my main supplies go in my hold baggage. Fortunately I haven't yet lurched into AF en route but it wouldn't bother me if I did. Mind you I have a tendency to be asymptomatic anyway so I guess I'd never know for sure. My personal mantra is to exercise in flight and keep well hydrated. Static exercise and up and around the cabin.
I would never put off a trip if it suddenly hit me as we were boarding.
It surely depends on how your AFib presents. You have a responsibility to the other passengers and crew that requires you to be able to conduct yourself appropriately not just throughout your time on the aircraft but also in the event of any emergency. If your physical condition during the flight requires a disproportionate amount of crew time let alone a diversion and landing for a medical emergency you will not be popular. A bpm of 150+ might seriously impair both your mental and physical reactions. If it was discovered that you boarded the flight in the knowledge that the condition was present then it could potentially become very awkward. I comment as a former commercial pilot who also has the benefit of 15 years of experience with AFib. Its your call. but make it a responsible call.
This scared me too! I love going abroad but haven't been since 2019. Debating Cyprus in November but like you very nervous about flying in case I go into afib. I am very symptomatic with high heart rate often lasting for 36 hours plus. My EP says "Just sit it out". Like most on this forum though I think "Why should I let afib control my life"!
Being scared is normal - a lesson I’ve learned. But like everyone has said, your life must go on otherwise AFib controls you and not the other way round ! All the best. Harry
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