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When can I fly after a heart attack?

It depends on how likely you are to have another heart attack. Always check with your GP or heart specialist before you fly after a heart attack. The information below is a guide only.

Whether it is safe for you to fly will depend on your personal circumstances.

People with no complications

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends that people with no complications, who are at low risk of another event, can fly 7 to 10 days after a heart attack. When a blocked artery that caused the heart attack has been successfully unblocked, the CAA says it may be possible to fly after 3 days.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance says that most people with heart failure can travel by plane. However, during the flight, legs and ankles tend to swell and breathing may become more difficult for people with severe heart failure. 

If you have a pacemaker or ICD, you should show your device identification card before walking through an airport scanner.

Always check with your GP or heart specialist before planning any air travel.

People with complications

If you have no symptoms or other heart conditions and no further treatment is planned, you're considered to be at medium risk. In this case, the CAA recommends that you may fly from 10 days after your recent heart attack.

If you have signs and symptoms of heart failure and further treatment is planned, you are considered to be at high risk of another heart attack. In this case, you should wait until you are in a more stable condition before flying.

Always speak to your GP or specialist before flying after you have had a heart attack. They may need to check how fit you are to make sure you can fly safely without developing symptoms such as chest pain.

Check with your travel operator, airline and travel insurance company before you fly, as they may have their own policies on flying after a heart attack.

Medicine

If you're taking medicine, your GP or specialist may advise you to carry essential medicines in your hand luggage. If so, contact your airline to check if they have any restrictions. If they do, you'll need to get a letter from your doctor and you may need to get a written agreement from the airline before you fly.

There may also be restrictions on bringing in medicine to certain countries. Your airline should be able to advise you.

Read the answers to more questions about travel health.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 12 January 2023
Next review due: 12 January 2026