Hypertension and air travel

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have untreated high blood pressure. The last 2 times I checked it (at least twice a week) it was 194/115 and 196/116. I can't afford to go to the doctors every three months so I just don't go. My blood pressure was under control for many years with 40 mil of Lisinopril. So I don't know why my doctor just can't call my prescription in once a year. But back to my question AM I SAFE TO FLY WITH UNTREATED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? I never thought about this until I talked to someone today who said she could not travel because of her hbp. My daughter in law purchased tickets for us to go see my grandson.

Dear Kelly: The presence of malignant hypertension (high blood pressure) is an absolute contraindication to air travel and this is usually defined by the presence of high blood pressure generally >180/120 mmHg in addition to changes in the back of the eye (retina) or fluid around the brain. While travelling in an aircraft the air in the cabin contains less oxygen than the air on the ground, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low blood oxygen levels, may cause an increase in the blood pressure and overall an increase in the blood flowing through the heart. Therefore I would be concerned if your hypertension is not under control it may rise to dangerously high levels while travelling in the air. I would recommend attending your family doctor for treatment and informing your travel insurance agent prior to any air travel.