Please see the following information for any heart conditions your passengers may have and ask the relevant questions to asses if they require medical clearance.
coronary thrombosis/myocardial infraction or heart attack
Controlled angina is acceptable.
Unstable angina requires a medical clearance. Please ask your passenger the following questions to establish if medical clearance is required.
questions:
Do you also have breathing problems or chest disease in addition to your angina?
Yes – medical clearance required
No – accepted for travel
How many times a week do you have an attack?
6 or More – medical clearance required
Less than 6 - see next question.
Have you had to go into hospital with angina in the last 3 months?
Yes – medical clearance required
No – accepted for travel
Stress that the passenger must pack their medication in their hand baggage at all times!
coronary thrombosis/myocardial infraction and heart attack
There is an increased risk of a further heart attack in the first 6 months after a heart attack. The risk is greatest in the first month and if there were any complications.
questions:
How long ago did you have your heart attack?
4 weeks or less – medical clearance required
4 weeks to 3 months – certificate of fitness to fly is required
3 months to 6 months - proceed to the next question
More than 6 months – proceed to last question
Did you stay in a coronary care unit?
No – proceed to next question.
Yes – certificate of fitness to fly is required
Have you been well since your attack?
Yes – accept for travel
No – certificate of fitness to fly is required
Stress that the passenger must pack their medication in their hand baggage at all times!
Heart failure may vary from trivia to crippling.
questions:
Do you need oxygen at home?
Yes – medical clearance is required
No – proceed to next question
Do you get chest pain?
Yes – medical clearance required
No - proceed to next question
Do you get short of breath when you are resting?
Yes – medical clearance required
No – proceed to next question
Can you walk 50 yards without stopping?
No – certificate of fitness to fly and oxygen is required
Yes – proceed to next question
Can you climb one flight of stairs without stopping?
No – certificate of fitness to fly and oxygen is required.
Yes – accept for travel.
Stress that the passenger must pack their medication in their hand baggage at all times!
The result of cardiac surgery may be very variable. If the passengers heart is under strain reduction in air pressure in the cabin may leave him short of oxygen and push him rapidly into heart failure. This will make him very distressed and breathless and may force diversion of the aircraft.
questions:
Do you get short of breath when resting?
Yes – medical clearance required
No – proceed to next question
How long ago did you have your operation?
4 weeks or less – medical clearance required
4 weeks to 3 months – certificate of fitness to fly is required
3 months or more – proceed to next question
Can you walk 50 yards without stopping?
No – certificate of fitness to fly is required plus oxygen
Yes – proceed to next question
Can you climb one flight of stairs without stopping?
No – certificate of fitness to fly is required plus oxygen
Yes – accept for travel
Stress that the passenger must pack their medication in their hand baggage at all times!