Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Nov 16: Stepping into an aircraft often feels like a smooth transition from ground to sky. Frequent flyers especially tend to believe they are simply sitting back and relaxing until the plane touches down. But while the mind may feel at ease, the body — particularly the heart — is working much harder than most people realise.

According to well-known cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, popularly known on Instagram as heart_transplant_doc, the environment inside an aircraft is far more demanding on the cardiovascular system than it appears. What seems like a comfortable reclined seat at 35,000 feet is actually a setting of reduced oxygen, extremely dry air, thicker blood and minimal movement — all of which push the heart to work overtime.

Dr Yaranov explains that aircraft cabins simulate altitudes of 6,000 to 8,000 feet, leading to slightly lower oxygen levels in the blood. This forces the heart to pump harder to maintain adequate oxygen supply to vital organs. The dry cabin air causes continuous water loss through breathing alone, thickening the blood and adding further strain on circulation.

Long hours of sitting without movement slow down blood flow in the legs, making them heavy and swollen. In extreme cases, especially during long-haul flights, this increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The dry air also affects the airways, weakening the immune barrier and making passengers more vulnerable to infections. Combined with travel stress, disrupted sleep and routine changes, the cardiovascular system experiences multiple subtle shocks — often mistaken simply as “jet lag”.

While most healthy travellers tolerate flying well, those with recent heart attacks, heart surgery, unstable angina, heart failure, arrhythmias or pulmonary hypertension are at higher risk. Elderly passengers and those sitting immobile for long hours also need to be cautious.

Dr Yaranov recommends simple measures to reduce heart strain while flying. Staying hydrated before and during the flight, avoiding salty foods and alcohol, and moving around frequently help maintain healthy circulation. Using a saline nasal spray before takeoff can protect the airway lining, while walking soon after landing helps reset blood flow. Passengers with heart conditions are advised to consult their cardiologist before travelling and keep essential medications in their carry-on luggage.

Flying may feel effortless, but the body works quietly behind the scenes to adapt to the unique conditions in the sky. With the right precautions, travellers can ease the burden on their heart and enjoy safer, more comfortable journeys.