Recently diagnosed hole between heart atriums. Can I fly?

Posted by evalds @evalds, Jun 12 1:03pm

I’ve recently been diagnosed with a hole between the atriums of my heart. I had booked a trip (including flying). Is it safe to fly?

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fortunateoldguy | @fortunateoldguy | Jun 12 1:37pm

It likely depends on the size of the hole in the atrial septum and what symptoms you are having. The subject of flying with a atrial septum defect has its risks and is definitely a question for your cardiologist to answer.

According to the NIH, patients are generally advised not to fly.

Mayo Connect does not allow me to post a link yet after a week so Google this if you would like more detail. “Congenital heart disease and air travel”

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 16 7:48pm

In reply to @fortunateoldguy "It likely depends on the size of the hole in the atrial septum and what symptoms..." + (show)

@fortunateoldguy, you should be able to post links now. Here is the NIH article you referenced:
- Congenital heart disease and air travel https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8412047/

fortunateoldguy | @fortunateoldguy | Jun 16 7:53pm

Thank you, Colleen. I appreciate all you do.

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Jun 24 12:39pm

@evalds - did you have a chance to look at @fortunateoldguy's article on flying with congenital heart disease?

Did you discuss this issue with the cardiologist that diagnosed you?

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