Commercial Air Travel for Passengers With Cardiovascular Disease: Stressors of Flight and Aeromedical Impact

Abstract

The exponential growth of commercial flights has resulted in a sharp rise of air travellers over the last 2 decades, including passengers with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. Notwithstanding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that had set back the aviation industry for the next 1 to 2 years, air travel is expected to rebound fully by 2023-2024. Guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for safe air travel in this group vary, and physicians often encounter situations where opinions and assessments on fitness for flights are sought. This article aims to provide an overview of the stressors of commercial passenger flights with an impact on cardiovascular health for the general cardiologist and family practitioner, when assessing the suitability of such patients for flying fitness.

Experiences and perceptions of nurses and air ambulance service providers in carrying out aeromedical evacuations in Indonesia: A qualitative research

“…Previous studies have reported that aeromedical evacuation involves different types of aircraft, including commercial and charter aircraft and helicopters. This diversity of transport modes contributes to other experiences in providing patient care during the flight (Imbriaco et al, 2021 ; Koh, 2021 ; Thomson, 2015 ).…”

“…Therefore, nurses must be able to intervene despite the many constraints in the aircraft. The aviation environment presents a considerable number of challenges and limitations, especially in the provision of nursing care, which include changes in air pressure, temperature fluctuations, hypoxia, gravitational forces during take-off and landing, air humidity, noise, vibration, turbulence, limited space, and inadequate lighting (Butler et al, 2018 ; Koh, 2021 ; Thomson, 2015 ). Limited space that constrains access to the patient while in flight may limit treatment capabilities (Thibeault & Evans, 2015 ).…”

Perjalanan Udara pada Penderita Penyakit Jantung: Amankah?

“…Tekanan parsial adalah tekanan yang dihasilkan oleh masing-masing gas jika gas tersebut memenuhi volume atau ruang yang ditempati oleh beberapa jenis gas pada suhu yang sama. 5,6 Kondisi lingkungan kabin selama penerbangan berbeda dengan kondisi normal di darat; ditandai dengan berkurangnya tekanan parsial oksigen dan kelembapan lebih rendah, distribusi udara yang tidak merata di dalam kabin, dan persentase udara yang didaur ulang di dalam lingkungan pesawat. Selama penerbangan, kabin merupakan lingkungan tertutup berventilasi yang dikendalikan oleh sistem kontrol lingkungan (environmental control system) untuk menjaga tekanan udara yang nyaman di dalam kabin pesawat.…”