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Journalism of Courage
Sipping a drink while soaring through the clouds might seem like a relaxing way to pass the time on a flight. However, new research suggests that indulging in alcohol during air travel can pose a surprising risk to your heart health.
The study, published in the respiratory journal Thorax, found that combining alcohol consumption with air travel can significantly reduce blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and elevate heart rate for a prolonged period. This effect might be even more pronounced with higher alcohol intake, especially for older passengers or those with pre-existing health conditions like heart or pulmonary issues, according to Dr V. Vinoth Kumar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad.
Airplane cabins maintain a lower air pressure than what we experience on the ground. This “hypobaric environment” means there’s less oxygen readily available. When you combine this with alcohol consumption, it creates a double whammy for your heart.
“Alcohol consumption can significantly decrease your blood oxygen levels and increase your heart rate,” says Dr Kumar. This puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system, forcing your heart to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout your body.
The problem becomes even more pronounced if you choose to nap after enjoying an alcoholic beverage. “During sleep, your body is already in a relaxed state, making it less capable of compensating for the reduced oxygen levels caused by the cabin pressure,” explains Dr Kumar. This can lead to a more significant drop in blood oxygen and further stress on your heart.
Individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions face an even greater danger when combining alcohol and air travel. “The lower oxygen levels and increased heart rate can exacerbate symptoms and potentially lead to in-flight medical emergencies,” warns Dr Kumar.
Even healthy individuals can experience a noticeable decrease in blood oxygen saturation and a spike in heart rate when consuming alcohol during a flight. This highlights the significant impact of the combined effects of alcohol and reduced cabin pressure.
