Risks of flying when having an Afib episode

[dave22222]

I have Afib, take blood thinners and other meds.

I used to go to Mexico for the winter.

However, once in Mexico if I have an episode of Afib I was thinking I would just fly home (while in Afib) and get treated at a hospital at home. Mexico has good facilities but I can't afford the travel insurance.

My Afib episodes: I don't seem to be able to get out of Afib without a cardiologist doing their thing.

The episodes with high heart rate just keep going. The last one I waited until I had been in Afib for 24 hrs before going to the hospital - I was hoping a good nights sleep might stop the Afib, but no such luck.

So if I am already in Afib, are there dangers with flying home to get treated in a hospital in my country?

[BobD Volunteer]

I've flown loads of times whilst in AF but never for more that 3 hours as never outside Europe. Stay well hydrated whatever you do.

[dave22222 in reply to BobD]

thanks

[mjames1]

There is no "yes"/"no" answer and what I do when flying may not be what you should do

I would touch bases with your doctor at home who knows your complete medical history before getting on the plane.

Moving forward, a good discussion to have with your cardio is what to do in similar situations and if they can give you any rate and/or rhythm drugs so that you may have more control over your episodes.

Jim

[dave22222 in reply to mjames1]

thanks, will do

[Enable]

I'm in permanent afib and have flown long haul many times with no issues.

[dave22222 in reply to Enable]

I dont understand how someone can be in permanent Afib. My understanding of Afib is that the heart is not only beating irregular but also too fast to be sustainable, hence the reason the hospital cardioconverts, etc. The hear would eventually burn itself out, or do severe damage to the heart muscle. Unless by Afib you mean an irregular heart beat that is not beating at a very high rate. I would be interested to know if this is based on a Cariologist diagnosis.

[baba in reply to dave22222]

yes lots of us are in permanent Atrial Fibrillation, it can be fast or slow, some require rate control drugs others don’t.

[Enable in reply to dave22222]

Many are in permanent afib, look it up. I'm medicated accordingly to keep my blood pressure and heart rate under control. Cardioversions are temporary anyway, mine lasted two months. I live a normal life and travel long haul to the far east regularly.

[dave22222 in reply to Enable]

If you are controlling your heart rate you are not in Afib. There is a difference between having permanent Afib and BEING in Afib.

[Frances123]

I haven’t flown in Afib but would if I had to, especially as I only fly to Holland these days which is only a 70 minute flight. That said I would never go to another country without travel insurance. I know it can be expensive but It just isn’t worth it as anything can happen whether it’s Afib or something else. Hopefully you will be able to find a competitive insurance.

[LindaDaisy]

pottypete1 has posted about travel insurance. Take a look at his post.

[dave22222 in reply to LindaDaisy]

I don't see a post by pottypete1 about insurance (but then I am new and dont know how to navigate this site yet), unless you mean this website (which wont help me as I live in Cda). thank you though, medicaltravelcompared.co.uk/

[Mrsvemb]

You are taking a huge risk in travelling without travel insurance. Anything can happen and may not even be AF related. I have read so many stories where someone who is normally fit and well, either has an accident abroad or is taken ill.

With no travel insurance medical care and repatriation can cost hundreds of thousand's of pounds.

Think about getting insurance. In my opinion, if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford the trip.

Sorry to sound harsh, but I am just being realistic.

[dave22222 in reply to Mrsvemb]

Thanks, but the post is about flying when in Afib.

[Enable]

Do you have a PIP in case of a sudden attack of afib. I totally understand your dilemma because I have travelled for long periods to South East Asia with no travel insurance recently because it was too expensive. I'm planning again for later this year. Its an important part of my life as are your trips to Mexico. The way I see it there is an element of risk to living that a lot of people don't understand. I would go if I were you. The alternative is watching the rain lash onto the windows all winter whilst paying huge heating bills. Good luck.

[dave22222 in reply to Enable]

Interesting, what is a PIP?

[Enable]

If you have paroxysmal afib you can carry a PIP ( pill in pocket ) to take when you go into afib, it helps stop it. Google it... pill in the pocket for afib. I'm in afib all the time. I take bisopolol to keep my heart rate below 100

[dave22222]

thanks