Does Flying Affect Blood Pressure? Expert Tips for Safe Travel

Flying can be uncomfortable, from cramped seats to dry skin to jet lag. But does flying affect blood pressure or create other health complications? According to a study by the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, it’s true that blood pressure can fluctuate and increase while airborne due to various conditions in the pressurized cabin.

While this isn’t a noticeable issue for everyone, it’s important to consider if you have pre-existing conditions or are flying after surgery to know how to minimize your potential risks. This guide covers everything you need to know about why blood pressure is affected by flights and how you can manage it.

How flying impacts blood pressure

Many physiological changes occur during flights, as high elevation affects the inner cabin’s pressure and oxygen levels. The cabin pressure is adjusted during flight to create a safe and comfortable environment.

Without these corrections, the pressure inside a plane would be dangerously low for passengers, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. To compensate, planes keep pressure at about 8,000 feet above sea level.

This is similar to what it feels like in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which sits at an altitude of 7,000 feet. While this pressurization isn’t a major issue for most people, it does affect the body in minor ways. Lower air pressure makes the heart work harder to capture more oxygen, which naturally raises your heart rate and could affect blood pressure.

Stress and anxiety can further increase heart rate by releasing hormones like cortisol, which is common for travelers who face turbulence, crowds, or extended trip delays. Dehydration also plays a role, as well as prolonged sitting, which limits circulation and adds to cardiovascular strain. 

Those who carry the highest risk of an issue with low cabin pressure include: 

• People with hypertension or heart disease
• Older adults
• Those on blood pressure medications
• Anyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
• Those recovering from a heart attack or stroke
• Those with kidney disease 
• Anemic passengers

Each of these conditions makes travelers more sensitive to drops in oxygen, which may result in more noticeable discomfort and potential medical issues.

Tips to manage blood pressure while flying

Flying with high blood pressure can be problematic for some, but there are several things you can do that make a big difference in both your comfort and overall wellness. Always make sure to consult your doctor for advice catered to your personal health needs.

Stay hydrated

Airplanes are infamously dry, and especially on long flights, you’re likely to lose a lot of fluids. Dehydration can reduce blood flow, which may leave you with a headache or feeling fatigued. A low-humidity environment can also cause your skin to feel dry and sensitive.

The key to hydration is simple: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your trip. You can also add electrolytes to your drink for an added hydration boost. Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee, alcohol, and high-sugar sodas. 

Keep moving 

Movement is crucial for blood flow, and when blood pools in your legs during long flights, it can cause your legs to swell (edema). This is simply uncomfortable for most people, but for those with underlying cardiovascular issues, it may pose a more serious risk: Lack of movement can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can cause a blood clot to form and potentially lead to a pulmonary embolism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of blood clots affects those traveling for more than four hours. This is easy to remedy on a plane, especially if you sit in an aisle seat. Extend your legs whenever possible, roll your ankles, and do calf raises in your seat. Be sure to take regular breaks to stand up and walk down the aisle for brief periods of time.  

Practice stress reduction techniques 

Many people have a fear of flying: Aerophobia affects over 25 million Americans. The stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn can increase blood pressure.

You can counteract this effect with:

• Grounding techniques
• Light stretching
• Distracting yourself with a movie, book, music, or podcast during the flight
• Reframing negative thoughts with positive affirmations
• Taking slow, deep breaths followed by slow exhales 
• Downloading a mindfulness, breathwork, or relaxation app on your phone

For additional peace of mind, consider investing in a travel assistance program like Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®). Knowing that your trip is protected with emergency transportation and repatriation services can provide a sense of safety that contributes to overall relaxation. 

Wear compression clothing  

Compression socks, sleeves, and leggings can prevent blood from pooling in the legs, which in turn helps improve circulation and prevent blood clots. This is especially important for people at risk of DVT because there’s an increased likelihood of a blood clot forming.

Choosing the right compression accessories is all about finding the perfect fit. Choose items that fit snugly, but avoid anything that feels painful. This way, you’re comfortable wearing them the whole flight, providing significant support to your circulation.

Choose your seat carefully

Whenever possible, choose a spacious seat that allows you to move and increase blood circulation, which helps regulate blood pressure. 

Aisle seats are your best bet, making it easy to stretch your legs and stand during your flight. It’s also the most convenient seat for access to the bathroom, which may be handy if you’re focusing on hydration during your travel day. If possible, upgrade to extended-room seats or sit in the emergency rows for a few extra inches of space. 

Manage what you eat around travel periods

Eating mindfully can help with high blood pressure on a day-to-day basis, and it’s especially important to consider while flying. Avoid heavy or salty meals that can spike your blood pressure. 

Excessive sodium makes the body retain water, which increases resistance in the veins. High-fat foods take more time to digest, which also increases blood pressure due to cardiovascular activity.

Instead of large, heavy meals, enjoy smaller, frequent snacks and balanced meals with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is designed to prevent high blood pressure and promote overall heart health.

Watch flight timing

Timing is everything when it comes to flying. Can you fly with high blood pressure first thing in the morning, or on a red-eye? Yes, but it can cause additional strain by interfering with your regular sleep schedule. This, in turn, can raise stress levels and increase dehydration. 

Make sure to rest before and after your flight so your body can adjust and stabilize blood pressure. Avoid tight layovers, especially when traveling in large airports that require a lot of walking through terminals, so you don’t have to rush and spike your adrenaline to catch the next flight. Fly when you have the most energy, which is in the morning or midday for most. 

When to see a doctor for high blood pressure

If you know of any pre-existing health conditions that affect your blood pressure, such as a history of heart disease or hypertension, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before flying. Schedule an appointment with your doctor well in advance so you can get any medications or accessories in time. 

Travel insurance helps with doctor visits abroad, with 6 out of 10 Americans having purchased it at least once. Insurance can help reimburse medical expenses, which is essential if you need medical care while away from home. 

If you feel unwell after flying and suspect it may have to do with high blood pressure, contact a nearby medical facility as soon as possible to further examine your symptoms, which may include shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. 

Feel secure flying with high blood pressure with EA+

Does flying affect blood pressure? Yes, but keep in mind that a slightly elevated blood pressure is perfectly normal when flying on a plane. It’s smart to monitor your symptoms and take preventive actions to ensure nothing goes wrong. Stay hydrated, keep moving, and invest in compression socks and sleeves for additional support.

You might also choose to invest in travel protection for extra peace of mind in case an emergency occurs. EA+ is one of the best travel assistance programs that offers long-distance medical transport, logistical support, and repatriation services. Annual memberships are a flat rate and protect you year-round, throughout all your trips. 

Take a look at our plans to find the right one for you. This small investment in your trip can provide assurance so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight. 

Flying with high blood pressure FAQ

How does flying affect blood pressure? These commonly asked questions help clarify the role cabin pressure and altitude play when it comes to cardiovascular health. 

How much does flying raise your blood pressure?

For an average flyer, there’s only a small, often unnoticeable increase in blood pressure while in the air. However, those with pre-existing conditions may experience more discomfort and other symptoms from the shift in cabin pressure. 

What medical conditions should you not fly with?

Talk to your doctor before flying if you’ve had a recent heart attack or stroke or have a history of heart disease, hypertension, or blood clots. While most travelers can fly safely with medical concerns, EA+ protects you in case of a medical emergency during your trip, offering logistical and financial assistance.

Does flying put pressure on your heart?

Yes. Since cabin pressure drops while a plane is airborne, the heart works faster, which increases strain. The heart needs to work harder to get oxygen to the body, especially for those who are stressed, tired, and dehydrated.

Does flying raise blood pressure?

Yes. While there is a temporary increase in blood pressure during a flight, it is rarely noticeable in healthy adults and children. Take extra time to acclimate before and after your flight if you tend to experience symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath while flying. 

Does altitude affect blood pressure?

Yes, altitude has a direct correlation to blood pressure. Planes simulate an elevation of 6,000 to 8,000 feet, which means the air is thinner, causing the body to work harder and increase vascular pressure. 

Are there blood pressure limits for flying?

The blood pressure limit for flying depends on the individual, but experts suggest avoiding flying if you are at or over 180/120 mmHg. Other than taking a direct blood pressure reading, you can keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort to assess whether you need additional support from a medical professional.