Flying

[marychris]

Has anyone flown while having an AF episode or just before boarding plane ?

[Paulbounce]

Hi Mary. I looked at your bio and see it is your husband who has afib and this worries you.

I've never had an afib attack boarding a plane or when flying. I have when I reached my destination though. Make sure your hubby has a PIP with him (if he is on one) and try to make him relax before the flight. Don't even mention to him you have posted this thread or he will worry too. Tell him some daft jokes at the airport and try to take him feel relaxed. If you need some silly jokes to make him goan I'm your man

He'll be just fine. Enjoy the holiday.

Paul

[Mumursa]

I’ve flown with AF a number or times over the past few years. I’ve only been away when mine has been fairly well managed through medication, not soon after a hospital admission or a procedure, when I ve been pretty confident that there won’t be any change while I’m away

Going away causes me stress which virtually always brings on my af, but then we plan to take things easier than we used to

I’ve only flown short haul, I’m a bit more nervous about long distances for lots of reasons!

[BobD Volunteer]

Many times or I would never have got to a race meeting. Just stay well hydrated and relax.

That said , as I have mentioned many times, people have different levels of ability to cope and determination so it can be quite individual.

[Tellingfibs]

I am terrified of flying, but since Afib diagnosis I have flown to Spain a couple of times and twice to tgd States - which I am quite proud of ! 😄 I had an Afib episode at the airport in Spain, prior to flying home, but it was brief and mild. I am on Warfarin so I wanted to have my INR checked whilst in America, and it was quite tricky finding somewhere that would do that - a couple of hospitals I tried wouldn’t help, even with a letter from my GP. Fortunately a general practice checked it for me ( for a fee of course ) and as my INR was low, suggested I took extra Warfarin. I am off on a plane again in a couple of weeks - still terrified, but of the flying, not the afib. As others have said, keep tensions down and chat about all the happy holiday plans. Enjoy !

Annie.

[TopBiscuit]

Yes, I flew to the US last year and AFib kicked in shortly after take off and lasted most of the flight. I hadn't been prescribed Flecainide (PiP) at the time so had to just sit it out. I also don't take an anticoagulant so was wondering what does happen if you have a stroke at 35,000 feet mid Atlantic! I just decided there was nothing I could do and watched a couple of films. Happily I'm still here to tell the tale! It was fine 🙂

[Rosemaryb1349]

Yes I have had episodes on several occasions when flying, it usually started in departure lounge but trying to relax on the plane with deep slow breathing, plenty of water to drink and some distraction (a book or film) usually helped me to drift off to sleep. Rosie

[Ppiman]

I would, without doubt, check with my GP beforehand, even though I feel sure that flying with a known and controlled arrhythmia is not a problem. I'm sure your hubby is taking an anti-coagulant such as warfarin or a DOAC type drug, in which case he's covered well for the risks of thrombosis; the other main risk is of sudden hypotension when AF starts causing him to feel faint or dizzy, and of course, anxious. If he's used to those feelings or doesn't get them, then all will be well. A pill-in-the-pocket might be useful, or, as I would do, take a bisoprolol well before the flight but that for his GP to decide. I think I'd move about during the flight, myself, to keep my leg calf muscles pumping away to get my circulation moving.

This is from an online study: "Patients with arrhythmia can travel by plane safely if they are asymptomatic or clinically stable."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Steve

[SnowQueenOne]

Hi marychris

Haven't had that experience but I did fly 4-weeks post ablation which, is in the blanking period so wasn't sure what to expect.

Whether it was because I was so relaxed, and relieved, to be going on holiday I never experienced any issues. In fact, it was the best I'd felt in a long time.

As others have posted on here, esch petson has their coping mechanism. Keep hydrated and try and help him relax as much as possible.

Above all, enjoy your time away !

[Lu22a in reply to SnowQueenOne]

Please can you tell me why keeping hydrated is so important? I am have been diagnosed with Afib fairly recently and am still learning more about the condition. Thank you.

[SnowQueenOne in reply to Lu22a]

Hi Lu22a

Unfortunately I can't, I'm not medically trained. However I do notice if I don't keep as hydrated as I should my chest starts break dancing! And I've seen others recommend it on this forum too.

Although I have had an ablation I'm still finding out new things about this condition.

I've seen it referred to as the heinz 57 variety of heart conditions as no one size fits all. It's different for everyone.

I'm trying to live a healthier way of life and see what makes me feel better or worse.

All I could suggest is speak to your cardiologist with any questions you may have. All the best

[Lu22a in reply to SnowQueenOne]

thank you

[TopBiscuit in reply to Lu22a]

Not being properly hydrated can be a trigger for AFib. I certainly find that it's one of my triggers.

[Lu22a in reply to TopBiscuit]

thank you

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Those of us with AF Rapid and Persistent I guess I have been travelling with AF.

But under 100 H/R I am controlled by Calcium Channel Blocker.

Diagnosis as above. But CCB Diltiazem 120mg AM and 2.5 Bisoprolol BB Beta Blocker PM work well for me.

Uncontrolled excessive sweating and have to stop during exertion is difficult and then there is the fatigue.

I had breathlessness with Metroprolol with pauses. Although I said NO to it after my stroke I was still given it. At 1 yr 3 months I asked for a Heart Specialist - in NZ no followup.

Bisoprolol was an improvement but still 120 resting H/R Day.

It was the CCB that controlled me.

Otherwise I don't feel it.

An enlarged LV chamber no cardiversion or ablation is a no no.

My AP was caused by Thyroid Papillary Cancer and there is a plus that te heart may convert. H/Rate at night always stays at 47.

cheri JOY

Always declare AF or heart event if you wish to be covered.