Meena Devi Meena Devi Asked 7 months ago

Does flying increase risk of stroke?

My daughter wants me to fly internationally to visit her next month, but my father had a stroke a few years ago. I'm a bit worried about the long flight increasing my own risk. Is there any truth to this concern?

6

6 answers

Rekha Joshi Rekha Joshi Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago
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Since I have thyroid issues and sluggish circulation, I always ask my doctor before long flights. Flying can cause deep vein thrombosis which indirectly increases risks if you have pre-existing conditions. Always get your routine blood tests and medical clearance done first.

Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Please don't believe scary articles online claiming flights cause strokes for everyone. Unless you have specific vascular conditions, the risk is extremely low for normal people. Skip the internet panic and ask a proper cardiologist.

Kunal Kapur Kunal Kapur Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

I fly constantly for food pop-ups and the main risk is just sitting still for too long eating airplane snacks! Joking aside, staying hydrated and moving your legs is key. Skip the salty packaged nuts and drink lots of water during the journey.

Karthik Subramanian Karthik Subramanian Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

My father always tells me to wear compression socks on long flights to keep the blood flowing well. It is a good traditional precaution, but we always consult our family doctor before international travel to be completely safe.

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Consult a neurologist

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I used to get so anxious during long flights thinking about blood clots. Now I just make sure to walk up and down the aisle every couple of hours and do simple ankle stretches in my seat. It really helps ease the physical tension and anxiety.

Ishaan Sharma Ishaan Sharma Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago

I don't think standard domestic flights are a big deal, but long international ones can make your legs swell. I just avoid sitting in one position for 8 hours straight. Keep stretching your feet and you should be totally fine.

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