Air Travel medicine

Question 1

Cardiac contraindications to air travel

Answer 1

-uncomplicated MI<3 days
-2-3 weeks complicated MI -<6 weeks CABG
-<2 weeks
unstable angina or malignant HTN
-uncontrolled arrhythmias
-symptomatic valve dx
-severe decompensated heart failure

Question 2

pulmonary contraindications to air travel

Answer 2

active infection (PNA and TB)
unresolved pneumothorax
major hemoptysis
sever unstable obstructive lung dx
oxygen requirement at sea level >4 L NC

Question 3

neurological contraindications to air travel

Answer 3

stroke<2 week

uncontrolled seizures

Question 4

what defines an uncomplicated MI for air travel

Answer 4

<65 yrs age, EF>45% and asympotmatic may fly after 3 days

Question 5

What is the amount of oxygen with flying?

Answer 5

15% instead of 21% and so most people can compensate for small degree of hypoxia. People with COPD may not be able to compensate and so get lightheaded, chest pain, tingling in extremities, palpitations and increased dyspnea

Question 6

What test do you do to clear someone for air travel?

Answer 6

room air pulse oximetry

Question 7

room air pulse oximetry is >95% what do you do for air travel?

Answer 7

no further testing

Question 8

room air pulse oximetry is 92-95% what do you do for air travel?

Answer 8

no testing unless risk factors present (prior dyspnea or FEV1<50% or hypoxia altitude simulation test for people with RF

Question 9

room air pulse oximetry is <92% what do you do for air travel?

Answer 9

supplement with oxygen without further testing

Question 10

patient on home oxygen therapy and wants to air travel. What do you do

Answer 10

increase oxygen flow rate by 1-2 L /min from baseline

Question 11

hypoxia altitude simulation test is used

Answer 11

to predict in flight hypoxemia