What is the pressure in the aircraft cabin at altitude. Airplane pressure drop

But you can cope with these misfortunes if you properly prepare for air travel.

In flight, it can be a problem:

Pressure drops... Even in the most comfortable aircraft, conditions for the human body are close to extreme. When flying at an altitude of 10-14 kilometers, the pressure in the passenger compartment is maintained as if you were at an altitude of 1500 to 2500 meters, which inevitably leads to low blood oxygen saturation. In addition, in the cabins of modern aircraft, the air humidity is usually very low - from 10 to 20%.

Who will have a hard time: primarily for passengers suffering from chronic cardiovascular and broncho-pulmonary diseases.

Air travel can also be torment for patients with acute and chronic sinusitis.

You cannot board a plane with a stuffy nose, otherwise, under the influence of pressure drops, you can earn exudative otitis media, and in especially severe cases, even a ruptured eardrum. Especially when the plane descends.

Air travel is contraindicated for:

recent myocardial infarction; unstable angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, unregulated hypertension, uncontrolled ventricular or supraventricular tachycardia, severe heart valve disease accompanied by symptoms of circulatory failure; unstable bronchial asthma, pneumothorax; acute middle ear infection; detachment of the retina and severe forms of glaucoma; severe forms of anemia; pregnancy after 36 weeks; recently undergone surgery.Output: Before buying a plane ticket, conduct a clinical examination, paying particular attention to the functionality of the myocardium and the resource of the lungs (their vital capacity).

If the amount of air inhaled and the diffusion capacity of the lungs is less than 50% of the expected, it is better to damage it with air travel.

If you still need to fly, stock up on vital medications. All but the mildest cases of asthma should take an oral steroid with them in an emergency. In other cases, it may be advisable to use oxygen during the flight.

People with acute or chronic sinusitis should take an anti-congestion aerosol with them on the flight to help equalize sinus pressure. Spraying the nasal cavity with saline is also useful due to the low humidity in the cabin.

Change of time zones... Hourly acclimatization is not an easy test. Insomnia, headaches, stomach pain - this is just an incomplete list of those troubles that fall to the lot of those who have to cross one or more time zones. The hardest part is for those who fly to the east: in this case, a person's biological clock is significantly behind local time. In order to recover, the body in this case will take up to three to four weeks.

Who will have a hard time: most of all, patients with pneumonia, bronchial asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension and peptic ulcer suffer from jet lag.

Exit: in case of moving from east to west, it is better to take a morning flight. At the same time, it is better to refrain from sleeping on the plane by taking a tonic. Then you can dive into the arms of Morpheus in the evening local time.

When flying from west to east, it is better to choose a flight in the evening hours and make every effort to have a good rest during the flight.

It is also advisable that there is a two-week break between long flights (there and back) - then it will be easier for you to protect yourself from the troubles associated with changing time zones.

Disorders of venous circulation... Sitting for many hours without moving leads to an increase in hydrostatic pressure and a slowdown in blood flow in the veins, and even its stoppage (stasis).

In turn, stagnation of blood in the veins of the legs, caused by a prolonged restrained posture or compression of the popliteal vein by the edge of the seat, can cause edema and lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis, fraught with sudden death from thromboembolism (blockage of the pulmonary artery) when a blood clot is torn off from a "familiar" place ... According to international statistics, every hour at different airports in the world one person dies in this way.

Who will have a hard time: suffering from varicose veins, people with high blood viscosity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.

Output: To prevent blood clots during the flight, wear compression hosiery (stockings, knee-highs or tights), as well as comfortable loose clothing made from natural materials and comfortable shoes.

Change your position periodically or walk around the cabin (every 30 minutes), choosing (if possible) an aisle seat. Drink water more often (but not alcoholic drinks, soda, or coffee).

Kinetosis - "air sickness". It is manifested by dizziness, pallor, cold sweats, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting.

Who will have a hard time: prone to motion sickness, children and the elderly.

Output: Take an anti-motion sickness medication about 30 minutes before your flight. People who are susceptible to motion sickness are also advised to avoid excess fluids, gassing food and sit closer to the wing of the aircraft if possible.

Was last modified: February 14th, 2018 at 01:07 pm

It is impossible to imagine our modern travel without an airplane. Air travel is a fast, very convenient way to travel. With the onset of the holiday season, this type of transportation is the most popular, since many go to rest where it is easier and faster to get by plane. But the flight is often accompanied by stressful conditions, physical and mental. And this is not only the fear of flying.

Pregnant women need to be careful with this type of transport. Passengers with small children should also be treated carefully. But these restrictions are temporary: a woman is pregnant for only 9 months, the children grow up sooner or later. But what should people who have chronic diseases do?

Anyone during the flight has to face a lack of air, pressure drops, his body does not have enough oxygen. In a person suffering from high blood pressure, this will cause much more problems than in a healthy person.

It is quite dangerous for hypertensive patients to fly on an airplane, but it is quite possible. This requires careful preparation. A disease such as hypertension is very common among people. In this article, we will analyze whether the blood pressure rises or falls in hypertensive patients when flying on an airplane.

In the history of aviation, there have been cases when for a person with diseases of the cardiovascular system and high blood pressure, the flight ended in death. Even more often there are attacks of heart attack and stroke in people with essential hypertension. Even healthy people feel the change in atmospheric pressure during takeoff and landing. As you climb, atmospheric pressure outside drops sharply, and the amount of oxygen on board the aircraft entering the body drops.

This occurs at an altitude of about 3 kilometers and higher. Shortness of breath, characteristic of arterial hypertension, increases, the risk of arrhythmia and tachycardia increases. There is a headache, nausea. The vessels also suffer from pressure drops. Blood thickens, blood pressure rises, which increases the load on the vascular walls. For people with hypertension, there is a risk of thrombosis. When sitting on an airplane for a long time, swelling and pain in the legs appear. On an emotional level, a person may experience a panicky feeling of fear.

Who is contraindicated to fly in airplanes

Among people suffering from hypertension, there are those who are categorically contraindicated to fly by plane. These are those who, less than six months ago, suffered a hypertensive crisis, heart attack or stroke. Pregnant women suffering from hypertension are also prohibited from flying.

If the patient has been installed with a pacemaker, then this is also a contraindication. A doctor may issue a permit for such patients to fly. Acute heart disease does not give him the right to fly by plane. It needs to be localized, since this form of the course of the disease will only worsen the patient's condition during the flight.

Of course, there are moments in life when a patient flies somewhere for treatment, and a flight on an airplane is a necessary measure. Here you need to compare all the risks, taking into account the general condition of the sick person, his blood pressure, as well as the presence of other concomitant diseases in the medical history. The attending physician should analyze everything, calculate the possible risks and give permission for air travel. It is even advisable to fly with a doctor or with one who will be able to help hypertensive patients if necessary.

The time for vacations is approaching and many of us have gathered to rest in warm countries.

With the approach of summer, this topic becomes more and more relevant, and for many, the thought of an upcoming air flight causes a rapid heartbeat, because some people experience aerophobia (fear of flying on an airplane) and these feelings, or rather their anticipation, blocks the desire to relax away from home ...

If you are a "heart" or a person who regularly rises in blood pressure and often aches the heart, the information presented in this article will help you to transfer the flight with the least stress on the heart and blood vessels.

This article will discuss how to protect your heart and blood vessels during an air flight, as well as in the first days of your vacation in exotic countries.

How does air travel affect the heart?

During the flight, the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft is approximately equal to the pressure at an altitude of 2500m above sea level. With a decrease in atmospheric pressure, the amount of oxygen in the aircraft cabin drops - this is the main risk factor for high blood pressure, hypertensive crisis and the development of a heart attack.

One way or another, pressure drops in the cabin of the aircraft are felt by everyone, but for people with a weak heart, the flight can end in a "cardiovascular catastrophe".

A sharp drop in atmospheric pressure and a decrease in oxygen concentration in the cabin of the aircraft is already noted at an altitude of 3000m, and during long flights the plane gains a great height, up to 11000m, which sharply reduces the flow of oxygen into the blood - this is very dangerous!

Some, even healthy people, and especially people suffering from heart diseases (coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, vascular atherosclerosis and hypertension) may need additional oxygen inhalation.

But! Unfortunately, not all aircraft on board have oxygen cushions, as many airlines prohibit taking oxygen on board. The supplemental oxygen on board an aircraft is explosive, especially on a long flight at high altitude.

What to do?

Before flying and booking tickets, check if there is an oxygen inhaler (oxygen cushion) in the aircraft cabin.
If you order a voucher, tour, etc. in a travel company, ask the tour operator: Do they have such a service during the flight and can it be ordered?
There is also another option. 3 - 4 days before departure, order an oxygen inhalation service. The order is made by a doctor who issues a certificate stating that you need or may need additional oxygen during the flight.
For a more relaxed flight, take 1 Validol tablet under your tongue before landing, and a second tablet before take off. While validol is in your mouth, you will be calmer and you will not need candies in order to put your ears back during the climb of the plane.
People with angina pectoris are advised to take 70 mg of aspirin and 1 tablet of nitroglycerin in order to avoid a possible heart attack.
For people who have had myocardial infarction within 6 months after the illness, air flights are prohibited, in order to avoid a heart attack and the development of a second heart attack.
Drink 40 drops of Valerian or Corvalol before boarding. It will relieve your fear of flying, reduce your heart palpitations, relax and calm you down.
During the flight, you need to distract yourself: talk, read magazines, your favorite book, do crosswords, etc.

How does air travel affect blood vessels?

Any, even the shortest flight is a limitation of mobility.

The longer we sit in a motionless state, the greater the load on the vessels of the legs. At this time, blood circulation in the lower extremities slows down, the blood becomes more viscous, the vessels narrow, the legs swell and begin to hurt. And all this against the background of pressure drops in the aircraft cabin. In such a situation, the risk of vascular thrombosis (blockage of a vessel by a blood clot) increases.

What to do?

In no case cross your legs (from this, the vessels are pinched and suffer even more).
Do not keep your legs bent for more than 1 hour, do not put them under you (this significantly disrupts blood circulation and increases the load on the vessels of the legs).
Keep your legs straight for as long as possible to improve blood flow.
Move your legs.
Get up every 30 minutes and walk around the cabin.
When ordering a ticket, ask to give you a seat not at the window, but at the aisle. Sitting by the aisle, you will be able to spread your legs, bend and unbend them. You will move more often, get up and not disturb people sitting next to you.

Often, after a long flight, we find ourselves in hot countries and try to surrender to the offered temptations as quickly as possible. Instead of rest, our body is faced with new tests and a load that is three times higher than the daily one.

The new climate has its own air, its own water, its own food and its own time. All this knocks down the usual biorhythms by which a person lives at home. The heart, blood vessels and the body as a whole, in such a situation, can become seriously outraged and make you draw attention to yourself.

Blood pressure may rise, dizziness, headache, feeling short of breath, absent-mindedness, unreasonable irritability, stool and sleep disturbances may appear.

Therefore, the first 2 - 3 days should be spent in the habituation (adaptation) mode. After the flight, you should sleep well, have a tasty meal and go out into the fresh air and explore the surroundings.

A couple of days will be enough for your body to get used to it and not let you down, but to help you relax in body and soul!

Be healthy! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Traveling by plane is a very fast and convenient means of transport for your vacation. But this type of movement is not safe for everyone. People suffering from hypertension often do not know if they can fly due to the fact that there is a sharp drop in pressure during flight. They should be aware of the risks they are putting themselves on board the plane and what to do to avoid serious consequences.

Blood pressure during flight

Modern aircraft are equipped with climate systems that create comfortable temperature, humidity and air movement. But there is no pressure control during takeoff. This is 75% of the normal on earth. In an enclosed space, atmospheric pressure rises, which leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen. The load on blood vessels increases due to blood thickening, which increases a person's blood pressure. Therefore, passengers during the flight may feel stuffy or tinnitus, headache, nausea. This sometimes leads to a heart attack. To avoid trouble, it is recommended to yawn, chew, open your mouth and stay calm. For people with low blood pressure, the flight does not pose a particular danger.

To avoid panic attacks and for better health, it is advisable to take a nap during the flight, or to occupy yourself with something soothing.
Risk for hypertensive patients
The danger of flying on airplanes depends on the form and severity of the disease. Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

In some people, a symptom of this condition may be a feeling of fear.
headache in the temples and back of the head;
chills and numbness of the limbs;
pain, discomfort, burning sensation in the chest area;
dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting;
high sweating, redness and swelling of the face;
feelings of excitement, fear, and panic.

These symptoms are uncomfortable on air travel and can lead to stroke, pulmonary edema, heart attacks, and other complications. Also, flying is contraindicated for people with the following diseases:
aortic aneurysm;
pericarditis;
ischemic disease;
Congenital heart defect;
angina pectoris;
respiratory tract diseases;
leukocytosis;
anemia.

In healthy and young people, blood vessels cope better with loads at altitude. But the longer the patient has hypertension, the more difficult it is to endure the load. The strength of blood vessels affects cholesterol, which, in turn, affects the reaction of the heart muscle, the change in pressure during takeoff and landing. In such situations, there is a risk of hypertensive crisis, heart rhythm failure, chest pain.
Flight rules for high blood pressure

At the stage of preparation for air travel, a blood pressure check will not interfere,
People with high blood pressure need to be careful about flights and the choice of airlines. Find out if there are oxygen cushions, and if not, buy to use it if necessary. It is better to take seats by the window or by the aisle. It is desirable to eat dietary food - quickly digestible and low-calorie. It is better to drink plain non-carbonated water, and give up caffeine and alcohol. You need to carefully prepare for the flight several weeks in advance. It is advisable to go to the doctor and get checked by making an ultrasound diagnosis of the breast and an electrocardiogram. Check your blood pressure and blood sugar every day. The flight condition should be stable.

It is physically difficult for people with hypertension and acute heart disease to fly in an airplane, although it is considered one of the most comfortable and fastest vehicles for long journeys. Shaking and turbulence at high pressure causes dizziness, noise in the head, weakness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Before buying a ticket, hypertensive patients should take into account all the risks so that the long-awaited trip does not turn into torment.

Is your blood pressure going up or down on an airplane?

An intense negative effect on the human circulatory and cardiovascular system occurs at the beginning and end of the flight during sudden surges in atmospheric pressure - a rapid decrease during takeoff and an increase during landing. Despite the regulation and maintenance of constant temperature, humidity and air circulation in modern aircraft cockpits, even healthy passengers have unpleasant sensations.

Indicate your pressure

Move the sliders

As the plane gains altitude, the blood pressure of the passengers rises. This is due to the difference between external air pressure and pressure in the tympanic cavity of the ear.
The vasoconstriction rapidly increases the pressure.
In sealed aircraft cabins, the reduced pressure, which is 75% of the normal atmospheric pressure, leads to a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood, and in severe cases - to hypoxia or, in other words, to oxygen starvation. First of all, the brain and myocardium react to a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the air. Hemodynamics in the legs gradually worsens, blood viscosity increases, the lumen of blood vessels narrows, which often provokes an increase in pressure, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, heart rhythm failure, and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. An oxygen bag or inhaler, which is equipped with the planes of certain airlines, helps against such conditions.

Can hypertensive patients fly?
In order to minimize the risks, it is necessary to take into account the possible deterioration of the state of health on board the aircraft in advance. The danger of flying depends on the degree and stage of hypertension. With normal health and a stable course of the disease, you can fly, but it is important to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician. Flights are contraindicated for hypertensive patients who suffer from other diseases, namely:
aortic aneurysm;
pericarditis;
ischemic disease;
congenital heart defects;
angina pectoris;
respiratory tract diseases;
leukocytosis;
anemia.

The increased load on the heart causes pain.
The younger and healthier a person is, the easier it is for the vessels to cope with overloads at altitude, respectively, the longer a person is sick with hypertension, the worse the vessels react to physical activity. Vascular elasticity can also be affected by high cholesterol levels, which reduce the ability of blood vessels and the heart muscle to quickly respond to pressure changes associated with acceleration, takeoff and landing. In such situations, hypertensive crises, cardiac arrhythmias, pain in the region of the heart occur.

Use of medications
Turbulence and low oxygen levels put more stress on the heart, making it work harder. This leads to a sharp rise in blood pressure, which can trigger a heart attack and even stroke. Therefore, it is advisable for people with high blood pressure to take antihypertensive drugs before the flight.
There is a first aid kit on board, but it is better to take with you the medicines prescribed by your doctor, which help to stabilize the condition and quickly bring yourself back to normal. Medications should always be at hand, so you should take them in your hand luggage on board the plane. If you feel unwell and headache, it is advisable to try to relax, try to fall asleep, or at least take a nap. This will make the flight faster and easier.