If your high blood pressure or hypertension is under control, it should not stop you from flying or traveling.
But you still must take precautions to stop hypertension and maintain health while traveling.
Here are some tips on how to fly safely with high blood pressure.
How flying can affect your blood pressure
Flying on a plane can dry out your skin, make different parts of your body feel strange or different, and drain your energy. That’s because oxygen, temperature and pressure in the cabin fluctuate. The humidity level is also lower than at sea level.
It is these lower oxygen levels that cause high blood pressure. That does not imply you cannot fly, it just means you must watch out to lower your risk.
So before your trip, be sure you get a check-up. Discuss any health concerns and be sure you are fit to travel.
Safety tips while flying
#1 – Plan ahead
Stress and anxiety is one of them the main cause hypertension. Try to avoid any situation that may cause undesirable stress and anxiety by planning ahead. Avoiding busy short trips, choosing your travel companions wisely, and giving yourself enough time to avoid delays can even help reduce stress.
#2 – Pack your medicine in your carry-on bag
If you take blood pressure medicine, be sure you have it on hand enough medication to last your trip – generally enough for your trip and an additional week.
Also, consider keeping your BP medicine in your carry-on bag and not your checked baggage (if your case is stolen or lost, you’ll lose it).
#3 – Carry a blood pressure monitor with you
Carry a small digital BP monitor with you so you can check your blood pressure regularly. Monitors will even be very helpful if you fall ill.
For example, dehydration can set in quickly if you have diarrhea, which affects your blood pressure. So keeping track of them can certainly remind you to take precautions.
#4 – Avoid salty foods
It’s often difficult to stay on a diet while traveling. But try to avoid salty foods or snacking on processed foods, these tend to have a proven high amount of sodium increase blood pressure levels.
#5 – Stay hydrated
If you are traveling on hot days or to a tropical country, you should stay hydrated. Warm weather can easily cause ankle swelling or edema because the class of BP drugs known as diuretics cause fluid loss from your body.
If you’re taking a diuretic, the drug may behave barely differently in warm weather conditions. Also, opt for coconut water, fresh juices, bottled water, etc., and avoid alcohol.
#6 – Avoid activities that stimulate adrenaline
Avoid activities that increase your body’s adrenaline, which causes a sudden drop in pressure such as scuba-diving, sky-diving or bungee-jumping. Instead, only engage in less intensive activities such as sailing, skiing, and hiking if your doctor approves.
#7 – Purchase travel medical insurance
Buying travel medical insurance is an awesome way to deal with unforeseen injuries, health scares, acute infections and more. Make sure you know the emergency number
your destination and know where the nearest hospital is.
Underline
Having hypertension should not stop you from flying. Below are the do’s and don’ts while flying.
Do
- If you have a long trip, consider breaking your fast by spending the night at a transit location.
- Drink lots of water
- Don’t just sit, as moving around will reduce the risk of lumps and swelling in the legs.
- Leave for the airport early to account for check-in formalities, road traffic, immigration clear lines or extended security.
Don’t
- Avoid alcohol
- Cross your legs as this can decrease blood circulation, increasing the risk of clots.
- Has a drug with a sedative effect.
