Flying with unmanaged high blood pressure may carry additional risk. You can manage your blood pressure before your trip to limit your chances of developing complications.

For many people, a fear of flying means worrying about an unlikely tragic event. But for people with chronic health conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, other concerns come to mind.

While high altitudes can cause headaches and nausea, these usually occur in people who visit or live in high-altitude locations. The pressurization in the cabin of an airplane prevents most of these symptoms.

People with high blood pressure can travel by plane, especially if their condition is well managed. You will still want to consider taking precautions if you’re going to fly with high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a reading above 130/80 mm Hg for most people. Roughly half of all Americans have some degree of hypertension.

The condition increases your risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Other health risks at high altitudes include:

Many of these complications develop in people living in or spending long periods at altitudes of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) or above sea level.

With air flight, planes typically fly 30,000 or more feet above sea level. But airplane cabin pressurization helps prevent most of the physical effects you might otherwise feel at this elevation.

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Generally speaking, people who regulate their high blood pressure with medication are not likely to have an increased risk of health problems at higher altitudes. However, this risk increases for those with unmanaged or severe high blood pressure.

There is little data on monitoring changes in your heart health with just occasional flying.

A small 2021 study involving only 22 people found that even healthy men without any heart disease had a 6% increase in blood pressure during commercial flights.

Anxiety and other issues that might arise during a flight can also contribute to symptoms and increase your blood pressure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical emergencies occur in about 1 in 600 flights.

The most common medical emergencies on flights are:

Some of these emergencies can arise from high blood pressure. The chances of developing blood clots are also elevated during flight and in people with high blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about managing your blood pressure with medications and lifestyle changes. If you take regular medications to manage your blood pressure, pack them to have them with you on the flight.

The dry conditions in the cabin may also lead to dehydration, which can sometimes raise blood pressure. Be sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated before, during, and after your flight.

Tips for flying with high blood pressure

Here are some other tips for people with high blood pressure who plan to fly:

  • Discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption during your flight to avoid dehydration.
  • Be aware that airline food may contain a lot of sodium, which can increase your blood pressure.
  • Avoid sedative and hypnotic medications during your flight.
  • Don’t use decongestants that can increase blood pressure.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Get up and walk around every 2 hours or so during your flight.
  • Keep moving between walks with simple exercises in your seat to promote circulation.
  • Alert the flight crew about any concerns or medical symptoms you begin to experience.

Can I bring a blood pressure monitor on a plane?

Yes. You can bring medical devices, including blood pressure monitors, in your carry-on bag. However, devices with lithium batteries or other prohibited materials may be limited.

Is blood pressure medication allowed in my carry-on?

Yes. You’re allowed to bring prescription medications with you on your flight. It’s best to have an adequate supply of your blood pressure medication with you. Keep your medications in their original container with your prescription information visible.

Can I take motion sickness medications if I have high blood pressure?

Dramamine and other forms of dimenhydrinate are not known to interfere with blood pressure medications and should be safe to use with or without blood pressure medication.

It’s always good to check with your doctor about possible interactions between your prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.

For most people, flying is a safe way to travel and won’t interfere with most health conditions. Spending much time on planes or flying with unmanaged blood pressure may be riskier.

Manage your blood pressure before your trip to limit your chances of developing blood pressure complications from flying. Be sure to pack enough medications for your entire flight.