If you are overweight or obese, you may have an increased risk of health complications when traveling on an airplane. If you have a pre-existing condition such as hypertension, heart disease or breathing problems, you may want to consult with your physician before flying. Lowered barometric pressure and partial pressure of oxygen within the airplane cabin can create unsettling symptoms and increase your health risk if you are obese.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a serious and life-threatening condition that can occur while on an airplane. It happens when a blood clot begins to form in one of the deep veins of your legs. Leg pain, swelling, redness and numbness often occur at the onset. DVT can occur when your are sitting or being sedentary for long periods of time, such as during an airline flight. DVT can be especially dangerous because the blood clot can travel quickly to your heart or lungs. If you are obese, it can be more difficult for your blood to circulate properly. Being obese along with sitting and not moving around during your flight increases your health risk for deep vein thrombosis.
Breathing Difficulties
Carrying around more weight on your body can make breathing difficult. Inside the cabin of a plane during flight, barometric pressure is lower than it is when you are on the ground. Different temperature changes along with lower oxygen saturation can cause breathing changes, especially if you are obese. Those factors can make a pre-existing problem more severe. Bringing along a fast-acting inhaler to open up tightened airways as well as a portable oxygen tank may help make your flight more comfortable.
Poor Blood Circulation
If you are obese and already have poor blood circulation due to a pre-existing condition such as diabetic neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease, being confined to an airline chair can be a health risk. Your legs and feet will not get as much circulation or oxygen if you are unable to stretch or increase movement. Stretching your legs, getting up and walking around the cabin as much as possible as well as rubbing your legs and feet throughout the flight may help prevent complications such as blood clots, cold feet and skin breakdown.
Hypertension
Obesity and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension, there is a slight risk when flying. Along with lower oxygen levels, your heart has to work harder, which can cause fluctuations in your blood pressure readings. In combination with vibration, turbulence and slight anxiety from flying, you could be at a greater risk for a heart attack or stroke.
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