Q I am a heart patient is it good to travel by air?
In general, air travel does not pose great risks to most patients with heart disease. Cardiac "incidents" occur only in 1 to 2 patients per million during air travel. However, some heart patients need to avoid flying, at least temporarily, because of the increased risk posed by being confined to a high-altitude (and therefore low-oxygen) compartment. (Airplane cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level.). Simple tips while traveling- 1.Carry a copy of your medical history. 2.Carry phone numbers of your doctor(s) and family members. 3. During the flight, consider wearing compression stockings, pass on the alcohol, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid blood clots.