Flying is usually safe for most people, but it does create certain changes in the body that many passengers do not notice. Inside an aircraft, the air pressure is lower, oxygen levels drop, and the cabin environment is much drier than on the ground. These factors can make the heart work harder, especially for people with pre-existing heart conditions.

To understand what really happens to the heart at 35,000 feet and what travellers can do to stay safe, we spoke to three senior cardiologists.

WHY FLYING AFFECTS THE HEART

Dr Shyam Sunder K R, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Aster RV Hospital , explained that the cabin pressure during a flight is “much lower than what is experienced on the ground.” Because of this, oxygen levels in the body fall slightly. “Less oxygen in th

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