cardiac pacemakers (and fitness to fly)

Condition	Lay explanation	Restriction/guidance
Following pacemaker inplantation	If you have had a temporary or permanent pacemaker there is a risk of the lung being punctured. If it has not been punctured you can fly after 2 days. If it has then you should wait until 2 weeks after it has fully healed	Fly after 2 days if no pneumothorax. In the event of a pneumothorax flying should be deferred for 2 weeks following complete resolution

Note that these are only guidelines and each airline has its own regulations and medical standards.

Reference:

British Heart Foundation (September 2010). Factfile - Fitness to fly for passengers with cardiovascular disease.

Last edited 08/2019

Links: