Is heart failure an obstacle to air travel?

Abstract

Rapid increasing trend in air travel brings necessity of urgent approach to health situations such as heart failure (HF). The prevalence of HF was projected to be more than 8 million patients ≥18 years of age in 2030; Main factors that contribute to physiological changes to cardiovascular system during a flight are changes in cabin pressure, humidity, stress, prolonged mobility. Identifying patients at risk of pre/post and during air travel along with adequate care by physicians and crew would help in better outcomes and comfortable travel for patients with HF.