When you're sitting on a plane, cruising 30,000 feet in the air at 500 miles per hour, you might notice a change in your body. Specifically, your heart may be beating a little faster than normal.

Whether it's nerves from flying, excitement for your upcoming vacation, or something else entirely, it's not unusual to feel a little different up in the air.

But could this change in your body be dangerous?

Why Does Your Heart Rate Change While Flying?

That flutter in your chest when you’re thousands of feet in the air? It’s not all in your head. Your body is reacting to environmental changes that happen mid-flight, and your heart feels it.

Lower Oxygen Levels

Plane cabins are pressurized, but not to sea level. Instead, it’s like you’re suddenly hanging out on top of a 7,000-foot mountain. That means the air you’re breathing has less oxygen than what your body’s used to.

To make up for it, your heart works harder, pumping faster to deliver the oxygen your organs and muscles need. So, yes, that quickened pulse is totally expected.

Dehydration

Airplane air is notoriously dry. With humidity levels around 10–20%, your body starts losing fluids just by breathing. Dehydration can thicken your blood slightly, and your heart has to put in more effort to keep it flowing.

Add in salty snacks and not drinking enough water, and you've got the perfect recipe for an elevated heart rate.

Stress and Anxiety

Whether you’re a nervous flyer or just buzzing from the excitement of travel, emotional stress can rev up your sympathetic nervous system.

That’s your body’s “fight or flight” response kicking in, and your heart responds by beating faster. Even if you feel calm on the outside, your body might be feeling stress on the inside.

Lack of Movement

Spending hours sitting in a tight seat with minimal legroom doesn’t just make your back ache, but it can affect your circulation too. Blood tends to pool in your lower extremities, and your heart has to pump harder to keep everything moving.

That effort can show up as a faster heartbeat, especially if you're not getting up or stretching.

Who's Most at Risk on Planes?

Flying is usually no big deal for most people, but if you’ve got a heart condition, your body might not love being 30,000 feet in the air. That change in cabin pressure can be tougher on an already vulnerable heart.

You’ll want to be extra cautious if you’ve had:

• A recent heart attack or heart surgery

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Serious irregular heart rhythms (like arrhythmia)

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Congestive heart failure

If any of these sound familiar, check in with your doctor before your flight. A quick check in could make all the difference in keeping your heart safe while you travel.

Heart-Smart Flying Tips

Whether you have a heart condition or just want to feel your best mid-air, there are some simple things you can do to help your heart stay happy and steady while you fly.

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout your flight and skip the extra caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you even more.

2. Dress for Comfort: Tight clothing or compression on your midsection can restrict blood flow. Go for loose, comfy clothes and consider wearing compression socks, especially on longer flights, to support circulation in your legs.

3. Get Up and Move: Try not to sit still for the entire flight. Every hour or so, stand up, stretch, or take a short walk down the aisle. Even rolling your ankles or flexing your calves in your seat helps your circulation and lowers your risk for blood clots.

4. Watch Your Salt Intake: Salty airport snacks and in-flight meals can sneak in a lot of sodium, which can raise blood pressure and make you feel bloated. Bring your own healthy snacks like unsalted nuts, fruit, or a granola bar.

5. Keep Stress in Check: If flying makes you nervous, try deep breathing, calming music, or even a short meditation before takeoff. Reducing stress can help keep your heart rate and blood pressure in a safe zone.

6. Talk to Your Doctor if Needed: If you have a heart condition, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for travel advice. They might recommend medication adjustments or other precautions just to be safe.