Controlled hypertension is not a contraindication to air travel as long as people are reminded to bring their antihypertensive medication with them on the flight according to the US Aerospace Medical Association Medical Guidelines for Airline Travel.1 People with unstable medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, severe asthma, unstable angina, and severe congestive heart failure, should be evaluated by a medical professional before travel by air.1,2 The World Health Organization (WHO) does not include hypertension as a pre-existing chronic illness that one should seek medical advice for prior to air travel.3
WHO also recommends that travelers with a chronic illness should carry all their medications, especially prescription medications, in their carry-on luggage.3 The medicine should be in the original containers with clear labels. People should also carry a duplicate supply of medicine in their checked baggage in case their carry-on supply is lost or stolen.
References
- Medical guidelines for airline travel, 2nd ed. Aviat Space Environ Med 2003; 74 (5 Suppl): A1-19.
- Thibeault C, Evans AD, Dowdall NP. AsMA medical guidelines for air travel: fitness to fly and medical clearances. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2015; 86 (7): 656.
- World Health Organization. International travel and health: travellers with pre-existing medical conditions and special needs. http://www.who.int/ith/precautions/medical_conditions/en/. Accessed May 20, 2018.
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