BOOZING on a flight could be deadly, scientists have warned. Many holidaygoers will celebrate jetting off on their travels with an alcoholic beverage; some may have a doze on a plane. 1 Drinking alcohol on a flight could be bad for the heart Credit: Getty However, a small study has found that the combination of in-flight alcohol and cabin pressure at cruising altitude may put a strain on sleeping passengers' hearts.
The combination appears to lower blood oxygen and increase heart rate, even among younger adults. "The on board consumption of alcohol is an underestimated health risk that could be easily avoided," academics from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Germany said. "It may be beneficial to consider altering regulations to restrict the access to alcoholic beverages on board aeroplanes.
" The researchers point out that heart and circulatory problems account for seven per cent of in-flight medical emergencies, with cardiac arrests causing 58 per cent of all plane diversions. Writing in the journal Thorax, the researchers said that a hypobaric environment—one with low air pressure—is known to decrease oxygen levels in the blood and increase heart rate. They added that air passengers with heart problems have an increased risk of aggravating symptoms due to the decreased cabin pressure at cruising altitude, amplified during sleep.
Alcohol, often consumed on board, has similar effects, they said. Most read in Health WOODS TRAGEDY Young schoolboy, 9, found dead in woo.
