Air travel in patients with acute coronary syndromes or heart failure: current evidence, guidance and gaps
Authors' conclusion
Commercial air travel is likely safe for patients with ACS or HF who are clinically stable, but decisions should be individualized and incorporate both patient- and flight-specific factors. Substantial evidence gaps persist, particularly regarding optimal timing after ACS or HF decompensation and the development of aviation-specific risk models. Prospective cohorts and international registries integrating contemporary clinical, airline, and in-flight medical event data are needed to refine guidance and support patient mobility without compromising safety.
Study context
- Population
- Patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or living with heart failure (HF) travelling on commercial flights
- Outcome
- Air travel safety in clinically stable patients after ACS and compensated HF (New York Heart Association classes I-III)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Can generally fly with low short-term event rates when appropriately assessed
- The risk may be higher in the very early post-discharge period, with the magnitude of this excess risk remaining poorly defined
- Derived from small, heterogeneous cohorts and different therapeutic eras
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- No universally accepted waiting period after ACS or HF decompensation is recommended by guidelines
- These recommendations have not been validated against in-flight outcomes
Original publication
Air travel in patients with acute coronary syndromes or heart failure: current evidence, guidance and gaps. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 22 May 2026. doi:10.
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