Flying 'not a significant risk' for those on a heart problem healthcare plan

Those with a healthcare plan to treat heart problems have nothing to fear from flying, it has been suggested.

New guidelines have been published by the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) that dispel previously common beliefs that those with a heart condition should not fly.

According to the society's Fitness to Fly report, there are very few cardiovascular conditions that mean a patient cannot fly safely.

"For those with cardiovascular disease who are not critically ill but who wish to fly on commercial aircraft, the aircraft environment does not pose a significant threat to their health," it states.

Included in the study is a table listing various heart conditions and a recommendation as to whether sufferers should fly or not.

Even those with more serious illnesses may fly under the right conditions, the report claims.

"Given the right aircraft, on-board equipment and appropriately qualified and experienced escort personnel, aircraft can act as flying intensive care units and carry extremely ill passengers," it comments.

Founded in 1922, BCS aims to support and represent all those working in the fields of cardiovascular care and research. It currently has over 1,600 members including the great majority of UK consultant cardiologists.

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