Q: Does being on an air plane for prolonged periods impact blood flow or aneurysms?
A: Prolonged sitting on an airplane can increase the risk of blood clots forming, especially in the legs. Although space is limited, it helps to do a few stretches. Do be considerate of your fellow passengers. On long flights, some airlines have exercise videos on the personal TV sets. Look for them the next time you fly.
(30 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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i flew to philippines 7 times and is over 15 hrs at a stretch.i got up many times to walk to fron area of plane and would move my feet constantly to keep them circulated ,
The title and the question does not match. Its helpful to know about blood clot and exercise to prevent it but I am still curious about effect on blood pressure for frequent air travelers. I personally felt that my blood pressure is high during air travel and I don’t know if it is just because of anxiety or it has anything to do with height, pressure, humidity, speed or anything else?
I do think air travel can increase blood pressure. You are in an overcrowded area with recirculated air that is not pleasant. You get the fumes from the exhaust plus all the frgrances people use. The last time I flew I had to have oxygen on the plane. I could hardly breathe. I am through flying. It is not the same as sitting at home in any way. I have had it with the delays, mixups etc. etc.
The question has not been answered. Does your blood pressure go up when you are at 30,000 ft. Better still, does your blood pressure go up when you drive through the mountains from 55 feet above sea level to 8000 ft above sea level?
I would guess it might to some extent depending on the individual. On a flight or a quick drive through the mountains it most likely would not be significant, however I can tell you first hand living at high elevation for over a year defintiely increased my heart rate and BP. If you are subject to altitude sickness it probably will raise BP. It typically takes a day or 2 for Acute Mountain sickness symptoms to appear, so a quick drive through higher terrain or a 4 hour flight probably would not have much impact.
I am a flight attendant and have been for over 30 years. I have high BP that is difficult to control. However, I have not noticed that my blood pressure is any more significantly impacted due to the pressurization of the cabin. I think the stress of staying up all night dealing with passengers, delays etc. impacts my blood pressure as much as anything.
Could you be more detailed, please. We all seem to know what you mentioned. But is it the altitude that increases in the risk of blood clots or just sitting for long periods in limited space and is this the same as sitting for long periods in car trips, or just sitting at home. Thank you.
From what I’ve heard documented, sitting for long periods increases the risk of blood clots, not the altitude. The best way to minimize blood clots is through physical activity and healthy diet. Everyone has their own definition of healthy diet, but for me personally, there is nothing that compares to plant based. It prevents and reverses many of these chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, hear attacks and strokes.
It’s sitting in a confined space, such as an airplane, for long periods of time that causes blood clots. I know of a man who sat at the computer too long without stretching, moving around, etc. and he developed a blood clot.
what is the story with FACTOR FIVE????Few people know of it. Lots of families carry this trait.
I would expect blood pressure would increase during air travel due to the cabin being pressurized to 8000 feet. This would be equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at 8000 feet. This is done to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness that one might experience at high elevations. High altitude has reduced oxygen levels, therefore heart rate also increases and therfore BP probably will also.
I, too, want the answer to the question as I swelled up horribly on my last plane flight from JFK to LAX. Now I’m in the mountains at 7,000 ft. and was fine for a few days and then had heart palpitations and wierd feelings today. Perhaps no one has actually done studies on altitude and bp? Once I locate my bp cuff in our suitcases I will do some experimenting of my own and report back! We will be going back down to sea level for a few days and then returning here so it will be interesting to see what happens!
It’s probably Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) that occurs at high altitude. Symptoms can occur as low as 4000 feet and include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, increased heart rate and BP. I experienced this when I first went to the CO Rockies a year ago. I’d be curious to hear if this affect is raising your BP. My BP shot up sharply while residing at high altitude.
Also, for instant relief of altitude symptoms check out Acli-Mate at http://www.acli-mate.com
would flight’s flight’s differed air pressure have negative impact on healing vitreous chamber bleed [internal eye blood vessel leak?]
Since when did we get exhaust fumes in an aeoroplane!!!!
My daughter (24 years old) has fainting/dizzy/nauseous episodes within a week after an airplane flight. (this has occurred at least 3 times after flying that included fainting) She was able to get to a doctor in Italy after her flight there and they said her blood pressure was extremely low. She will be flying again soon and we are trying to take precautions like wearing support hose, practicing breathing techniques and making sure she moves around more on the flight to keep her blood pressure from dropping.