Airline Travel in Permanent Afib

[DKBX]

We were set to take a two week Norway cruise to see the Northern Lights in February. Flight from ABQ to Bergen. Wondering if we should cancel now that I’m in permanent.

Who has traveled overseas while in permanent afib or flutter? Risks? Experience?

[Paulbounce]

Hi DKBX.

I can only talk from personal experience. Would I cancel the trip because of afib?

No way.

You'll feel better after you go and worse if you don't (afib will have beaten you). I'm not a medic but that's my personal opinion.

Happy New Year.

Paul

[BobD Volunteer]

Flown lots of time in AF all over Europe. Just make sure you have tablets with you in cabin, don't touch alcohol. stay well hydrated and enjoy. AF may be in your life but don't let it rule your life.

[CDreamer]

Go enjoy, AF is no reason to stop travelling - just ensure you have good travel insurance, as I hope anyone would for any travels trip.

Been in AF many times whilst travelling and had some extraordinary experiences - all good!

[mjames1]

When you say "permanent" do you mean that you are no longer trying to get back into normal rhythm? If you are trying to get back, then I would ask my ep if the trip would interfere with any reasonable interventions such as an electro cardiversion, new trial of drugs, ablation, etc? Because the longer you remain in continuous afib, the harder it will be to get you out of it.

But if that's not the case and you're up to it, and your doctor is onboard, I see no reason not to go, but that is just me. It's really how you feel about it. Your afib. Your trip Jim

[MummyLuv]

I travelled loads in persistent afib, go for it!

[Enable]

I have had permanent afib for about 5 years and have travelled extensively by plane during that time with no issues at all. I am 61 and on 2.5mg bisopolol daily. On the advice of my cardiologist my PIP is another 2.5mg bisopolol which I have taken a couple of times because of a stressful day with delays etc. It works for me.

[aqualates]

I’ve had permanent AF for about 5 years and have flown many times since, mostly short haul flights of 3 hours but also an 11 hour long haul. I was advised by my cardio doctor to wear flight socks, not to drink alcohol, drink plenty of water and to make sure I got up and walked up and down the aisle a bit every so often and I’ve been fine.

If I were you I’d just ask for advice from your cardiac nurse/doctor and if they say you are ok go for it. However, if you are going to get all stressed up about it that will spoil the experience so don’t go. Also as mentioned earlier, essential you have travel insurance.

[Desanthony]

I was in persistent and am now in permanent AFib and I have never had to cancel any travel plans including travel to South Africa and USA to see my family there - where we often stay for 6, 8 or 12 weeks at times. I see no need so long as you are insured and the insurance company you are with know about your Afib and the medication you use and you take enough - with spare medication in case any baggage is lost with you. I carry my medication in both my carry on and hold luggage making sure that the carry on packs are in their original packaging with pharmacy label on them and also carry a letter from my GP listing the medication. I have had no problems. - in fact it is easier with Persistent or permanent Afib than with paroxysmal Afib - when I look at at a late friend's experience with paroxysmal Afib

[Auriculaire]

Go for it. We went on a cruise to Norway into the Arctic Circle some years ago and it was a fantastic experience . Very relaxing too. The food was great and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights even though it was late September and a bit early for them.

[Vrouse]

I fly regularly and have permanent AF. Try not to think about it and do not let AF control your life. Get on that plane and enjoy that cruise.

[Indiebindie]

What medication are you on? I have travelled abroad many times and I have been fine. My medication is bisoprolol and apixaban. I have been AF for many years.

Regards

Jane

[jondeanp]

Go! I was on a cruise in persistent AF and a win at the roulette table on the last night put me back into rhythm .

Maybe seeing the Northern Lights could give you the trigger you need.

Remember to take your meds.

[Billblue]

have permanent A Fib been on long haul and Europe with no medical problems only advice would be to move about if you can on the plane the biggest problem with A Fib and flying is cost of insurance but I have found a good insurance company for A Fib that reduce premiums by increasing Excess which works for me