cyanotic congenital heart disease and fitness to fly (flying)
Last edited 08/2019
| Condition | Functional status | Lay explanation | Restriction/guidance |
| Cyanotic congenital heart disease |
NYHA I&II |
You have congenital heart disease with blue blood and get breathless on mild to moderate exertion but no recent (within 6 weeks) change of symptoms or medication | May require in-flight oxygen* |
|
NYHA III |
You have congentil heart disease with blue blood and get breathless on walking 20-100 yards/metres but no recent (within 6 weeks) change of symptoms or medication | Consider airport assistance and may require in flight oxygen advisable* | |
|
NYHA IV |
You have conginital heart disease with blue blood and get breathless at rest and mainly bedbound but no recent (within 6 weeks) change of symptoms or medication | Advised not to fly without in flight oxygen and airport assistance available* |
Note that these are only guidelines and each airline has its own regulations and medical standards.
* = consider at high risk of DVT/VTE (Deep vein thrombosis/Venous thromboemolism)
Reference:
- British Heart Foundation (September 2010). Factfile - Fitness to fly for passengers with cardiovascular disease.