MVA and flying

[Whitemagnolia]

Has anyone with MVA had problems travelling in aircraft, either long-haul or short haul?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Whitemagnolia

Welcome to the forum.

I live with both microvascular and vasospastic angina.

My Cardiologist has given me permission to fly for upto six hours as long as I take and use my portable oxygen concentrator with me during the flight.

I have to get a fit to fly letter before each trip so I can get travel insurance and be allowed to take my oxygen concentrator as extra free hand luggage ( it weighs about 5kgs)

I do need to use my oxygen or I will get chest pain. The worst bit is taking off and landing.

Stress is a trigger too so you need to get to the airport in plenty of time. Plan everything well in advance.

I wear the sunflower lanyard ( free from airports assisted travel desk) indicating to the cabin crew and airport staff that I live with a hidden disability. They do notice and ask if I need any help.

Expect to feel tired and rest on your first day.

Take all your tablets with you in your hand luggage , doctor's letters and a description of your condition, also the prescription of your medications. I have an admission plan which goes with me everywhere.

Drink plenty of water and do ankle and leg exercises to avoid getting a deep vein thrombosis.

There are several forum members who live with microvascular or/ and vasospastic angina and I am sure they will be along to share their experiences too.

Enjoy your holiday.

[Rob6868 in reply to Milkfairy]

Fantastic advice as always Milk fairy

You really are our guardian angle of the forum

[Healthyheart1]

I have vasospastic angina and possibly micro vascular angina. I never thought about this, we have a short flight to Barcelona next year and never gave a thought to it. Were also going on a cruise but the angina is more settled at the moment and I've been on a cruise before with it. Although I did end up in hospital for nearly a week the day after I came home. Like Milkfairy says you need to plan everything well and get to the airport early and make sure all your tablets and sprays are handy. Be prepared if you are delayed either going or especially coming back. Have a great holiday. X Sheena

[MelB51]

Hello.

I have heart failure but I still fly. I have an oxygen concentrator but have found thatI only really need it on very long haul flights however, even for a flight of 4 or so hours, I take it with me, just in case! Some airlines are fine about bringing it on board but others do need to give consent, even though the one I have is approved for aircraft use.

With regard to medication, I agree that you should carry it all in hand luggage and I always take at least a few days extra, to cover any untoward delays etc!

Enjoy your travels! I am currently enjoying some sunshine in Tenerife and did not need any oxygen on the flight over here. 😎

[Whitemagnolia in reply to MelB51]

many thanks to everyone for their comments. This will be my first flight since diagnosis with MVA so I will see how it goes!

[Nicky3]

Hi,

I thought I would add my experiences it took a few years after my heart attack to build my confidence to travel again the same. To begin with we drove to France or did short flights. Then increased to the Canaries , last year Thailand and last month Australia.

I do suffer alot with MVA and CAS/Vasospasm, I was blue lighted into hospital from GP 2 days before flying to Sydney. I was very stressed and felt very ill but as my Troponin levels didn't show a heart attack was relieved. I went away still tired but asked for assistance at the Airport. I managed the flights pretty well and carried all my meds in my hand luggage.

My confidence is pretty good but I still worry and pack and plan leading up to going away. I try to not get stressed and take my time in the hope I don't set off my spasms. I declare everything to the insurance company. I decided to go for it in case things got worse and I am so glad I pushed myself. The sun and warmth definitely is good for me and I feel less symptoms so feel healthier away. But plan plan plan

Good luck

Nicky

[Whitemagnolia in reply to Nicky3]

Thanks Nicky. I am cautious about long haul at the moment so I’m starting with a short flight to Europe today. I’ve taken everyone’s advice about keeping calm and planning. I travel a lot for work so I need to see if I can do air travel without problems (I have stable MVA, no other major heart issues). It was helpful to hear that you managed to fly to Australia because that really is long haul! Thanks.

[Nicky3 in reply to Whitemagnolia]

That's great to hear...building confidence about your body again isn't easy. I pack things early and prepare and don't leave things to the last minute in case I have a rough patch before going. The same goes for Christmas now! Have a good time and take your spray in your pocket after security so you have it handy.

Take care