Holiday & flights!

Hi All,

Does flying affect the pacemaker at all? And also has anyone had any issues with their pacemaker with a warmer temp? 

 


4 Comments

No problem flying ...

by LondonAndy - 2016-12-29 14:43:30

My pacemaker is only about 2 years old, and although I always carry my pacemaker ID card I don't even bother telling the security people at airports that I've got one, and just walk through the arch like everyone else. 

No problem with flights, and I haven't found temperature makes a difference to the device, though I don't like it over 30C so can't comment about hotter places.  

flying and hot countries

by Katja3 - 2016-12-31 09:20:30

Sometimes the airplanes go through minor turbulence, which feels more like continuous rattling than a rollercoaster ride. If you have a rate-response mode active on the pacemaker, and you are younger (apparently younger people are more sensitive to this), you may feel the heart rate being slightly too high. It has happened to me many times, and apart from being slightly irritating sensation, it has no other meaning. Actually same happens when driving on concrete clock roads (which cause regular rattle on the car).

As for high temperatures, well I´m living in south america, and we normally have temperatures as high as 35-40 degrees. It makes no difference on the pacemaker. Only need to protect the site from direct sun, as pacemaker being of metal will heat more than the tissue around, which may cause internal burns. II don´t know how long that would take to happen, but I imagine it would be something like sunbathing in a beach. So t-shirt kept on, ensuring that the bare skin of pacemaker insertion site is not receiving direct sunlight, and all stays well. Keep up hydration though, with sports drinks etc, as changes in natrium/magnesium/potassium  levels do cause slight dizzy spells (pacemaker has some sensitivity to potassium changes, which occurs in very hot conditions with fluid loss).

Actually you don´t need to show pacemaker card in security check on most places. It´s good to have it, but like in this side of the world it doesnt even exist in some countries. Just mention the pacemaker when you approach the security check, and they take you aside.

 

No Problem

by MathTeacher - 2017-01-15 23:30:50

Hi,

     I've had no problems flying at all with my pacemaker (except my regular motion sickness!!!) I don't go through the metal detectors.  They'll put you through the other machine where you stand with your arms up and the thing goes around you.  I always show my card which is great.  Sometimes they'll put you through the handicap line, and you avoid tons of waiting time.  I won't complain about that!

     As far as the heat, I've had no problems with my pacemaker and spend time on the beach in the summer.

Touchy feely

by Pinkshirlz - 2017-01-23 14:47:24

Airport staff will separate you From the metal detector and search you by hand.  I do not chance going through the detectors. 

Heat just aggravates me but has no effect on sparky. Cold weather I tend to feel a little tender around the skin where I was incised but other than that, a holiday might do the heart good

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