Cardiologist reveals why air travel is a 'marathon' for your internal organs

Air travel is often perceived as a period of rest, yet the human body undergoess a complex physiological "marathon" to adapt to high-altitude environments.

Dr Dmitry Yaranov, an American cardiologist specialising in heart failure, highlighted on Saturday that the exhaustion typically dismissed as jet lag is actually the result of significant internal strain.

He noted that as cabin pressure drops, blood oxygen levels fall, forcing the heart to pump harder and faster to maintain essential delivery to tissues.

The cardiologist explained that the arid cabin atmosphere, which is drier than most deserts, causes passengers to lose water through respiration. This leads to reduced blood volume and increased viscosity.

"Most people think flying is just sitting in a chair in the sky. But your body is doing real work up there," Dr Yaranov explained. To mitigate these effects, he recommends a specific protocol focused on "physiological protection" rather than mere passenger comfort.

The medical expert identified several critical changes during flight:

• Oxygen deprivation: blood oxygen levels decrease as cabin pressure falls.
• Cardiac strain: the heart rate increases to compensate for lower oxygen.
• Thicker blood: dehydration makes blood more viscous and harder to circulate.
• Circulatory sluggishness: sitting for long periods causes blood to pool in the legs.
• Weakened immunity: dry air parches the respiratory lining, reducing viral defences.

Dr Yaranov concluded with a reminder to stay active and hydrated, stating, "Tiny habits. Massive difference when you land. Your heart travels with you. Treat it like it matters."