Traveling abroad and A/F

[Kevinder23]

Hi , AllIm hoping for some advice if possible .I have A/F and i am on flecanide .My chad vas score is 1 so im not on any anticoagulants.Im 62yrs old and walk the dog everyday.I also am still working 2 long days per week.

My family are trying to organize a family once in a lifetime holiday to Cyprus which is almost a 5 hr flight.I am very concerned i may be more at risk of a DVT.

I haven't been on a plane for nearly 30yrs as i am very anxious about flying.

Could anyone please advise.?

Also any recommendations for the best cost effective insurance.

I would be very grateful for any advice .

Thankyou x

[CDreamer]

Hi - I’ve flown both short and long haul over the last 15+ years I’ve had AF and in my experience and opinion AF in itself does not increase risk of DVT which from my understanding is caused by blood pooling in the legs because of inactivity. AF tends to increase risk of clots forming in the heart which is why anticoagulants are prescribed to mitigate the risk.

Advice would be - keep very well hydrated on the plane, avoid alcohol, wear compression socks, do your leg exercises every hour in your seat and consider taking low dose aspirin.

Airports are stressful places so look into getting assistance prior to the flight, research coping strategies, many airlines offer courses for aerophobia and there is lots of info online. Familiarise yourself with procedures, education is key - what is anxiety, what you can do to help yourself etc.

Cyprus can be extremely hot in July/August so please be aware that this could increase your risk of AF so ensure you take all due precautions to keep cool but also ensure you have really good travel insurance and of course have a good supply your meds - take a week’s worth more than you need as my husband was caught out when our flight was cancelled and you will have to pay the full cost of obtaining your drugs abroad.

[OzJames]

I’ve travelled O/S and no probs on Flecainide I only take a baby aspirin as instructed by cardiologist. My chad also 1. Having said that i once went O/S having the day before gone into AF. I was put on Aouxiban for a few weeks whilst abroad as a precaution whilst in AF and for another month after I returned

[Omniscient1]

Nothing to do with AF, but if you're concerned about DVT try and get yourself an aisle seat, so that you can take a walk down to the loo or galley with ease,or just stand up during the flight. But 5hrs isn't that long in truth. I've just reinsured with Staysure as am off to Portugal in two days. Have a good time in Cyprus.

[Bagrat]

Weve travelled to Lanzarote for years, both with AF, flight about same length.Another vote for aisle seat and hydration both on aircraft and in Cyprus. Think about looking into relaxation mp3s to play pre boarding and allow yourself plenty of time. Belt and braces,99% sure you won't need it, But have phone numbers available but for reassurance research how emergency services work in Cyprus. It's years since I went. Hospitals are good, no worries there and good insurance worth every penny.

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Great you'll have family around, enjoy.