New research indicates that drinking alcohol while flying, especially on long-haul flights, may pose a risk to passengers' heart health.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed health science journal Thorax, reveals that the combination of alcohol consumption and cabin pressure at cruising altitude can significantly lower blood oxygen levels and increase heart rates, even among young and healthy individuals. Read more in the article below.
Drinking during a flight may not be a great idea - Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
The Impact on Blood Oxygen Levels and Heart Rate
The study involved 48 participants aged 18 to 40, who were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to normal air pressure at sea level, while the other group experienced simulated cabin pressure at an altitude of 2438 meters (approximately 8000 feet). Participants either consumed alcohol equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine, or they refrained from drinking alcohol.
Results showed that those who drank alcohol and were exposed to cabin pressure experienced a drop in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) to an average of just over 85%, with a compensatory increase in heart rate to nearly 88 beats per minute. In comparison, those in the altitude chamber who did not consume alcohol had an SpO2 of just over 88% and a heart rate of just under 73 beats per minute.
Effects on Sleep Quality
The combination of alcohol and cabin pressure not only affected heart rate and oxygen levels but also impacted the quality of sleep. Participants exposed to both conditions had a significantly shorter duration of deep sleep (N3 stage) and REM sleep, both crucial for recovery and overall health. Deep sleep was reduced to 46.5 minutes with alcohol and cabin pressure, compared to 84 minutes after alcohol consumption at sea level and 67.5 minutes without alcohol.
Implications for Air Travel
Although the study had a small sample size and involved young, healthy participants, the findings raise important concerns for all passengers, particularly those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Researchers suggest that the combined effects of alcohol and reduced cabin pressure could exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms, which account for a significant proportion of in-flight medical emergencies.
Given these potential risks, the researchers recommend reconsidering the availability of alcohol on long-haul flights. Educating passengers and crew about the possible health impacts could help mitigate these risks and improve in-flight safety.
In summary, while enjoying a drink on a flight might seem like a way to relax, it could have unintended consequences for your heart health, especially when combined with the reduced oxygen levels at cruising altitudes. Passengers might want to think twice before reaching for that second drink, particularly on long-haul journeys.
If you are interested in more details about the underlying research, be sure to check out the article published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Thorax, which is listed below this article.
Sources and further reading:
Too busy to follow science news during the week? - Consider subscribing to our (free) newsletter - (Universal-Sci Weekly) - and get the 5 most interesting science articles of the week in your inbox
FEATURED ARTICLES:
