Flying and Your Heart: Cardiologist Reveals Risks, Offers Protection Tips

• Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov explains how flying taxes the body, especially the heart, due to physiological changes.
• Reduced cabin pressure lowers oxygen levels, forcing the heart to pump harder and decreasing cardiac output.
• Dry cabin air causes dehydration, thickening blood and increasing circulatory strain on the heart.
• Prolonged sitting slows circulation, raising risks of blood pooling, swelling, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism.
• Dr. Yaranov advises hydration, avoiding alcohol/salt, frequent movement, using nasal spray, and walking after landing to protect heart health.