Skydiving is an amazing extreme sport that attracts millions of people to dropzones all over the world, but what if you suffer with a heart condition?
Or are you so nervous you feel your heart beating manically?
Can you skydive or will you have a heart attack in the air?
In answer to this question, yes, it is possible to have a heart attack when skydiving. Although it is highly unlikely. In fact, it is so rare that only one person has died this way in the past 5 years. If you suffer from an existing heart condition it is best to consult your doctor before taking on a skydive!
If you have no history of heart problems, then it is highly unlikely that you will have a heart attack whilst skydiving.
Many people worry about their heart when skydiving because they are so nervous that they think their heart will simply not be able to take the pressure.
This is not the case and isn’t something you should be worried about.
You are bound to be nervous before your first-ever skydive, but it won’t cause you to have a heart attack.
You might experience an adrenaline rush which causes the heart to beat fast and shallow breathing.
Your instructor will be there to guide you through the whole process and make sure you are safe.
Why can’t I skydive if I have a heart condition?
It is not advised to skydive if you have a heart condition.
This is because the plane you will be traveling in will be unpressurized which means people with heart problems or lung problems will struggle to breathe as the altitude gets higher.
Secondly, as we mentioned previously you will be super nervous before your jump.
This will cause your heart to beat a little faster.
If you experience an adrenaline rush, your heart will be racing, and breathing could become more difficult.
These factors alone can cause a heart attack let alone mixed together.
Can you be sick when skydiving?
You may think sickness is a really common occurrence.
But it is actually not as common as you may think it is.
There are a few factors that make people be sick when skydiving:
Before you head to the dropzone, make sure you are well-rested and have had plenty of food and water, so you’re not dehydrated.
Coming to a skydiving session hungover is not a good idea either as this will leave you dehydrated too.
When you are dehydrated and falling 120mph your stomach might not agree with you and cause you to be sick!
Do you suffer from motion sickness?
Do you get car sickness or sea sickness?
It is likely you will be either whilst in the plane, in the air or when you land.
It’s something you shouldn’t be embarrassed about and you shouldn’t worry.
If you are used to motion sickness, you might take some travel tablets before your jump.
You shouldn’t worry or be embarrassed when skydiving.
It is perfectly natural but if you take the time to ensure you’re hydrated and well fed before you jump, the chance will be minimized!
Can you pass out from skydiving?
Similarly, to vomiting, it really isn’t that common to pass out when skydiving.
Think about it.
We have talked about your heart beating super-fast and you getting an adrenaline rush so it’s super unlikely that you are going to pass out, your body will be on high alert as it will think you are in danger!
The only reasons you would pass out either before or during a jump is because of dehydration and alcohol much like vomiting!
Can skydiving kill you?
Skydiving, although seemingly dangerous, is actually incredibly safe.
For a start, you will be with a trained instructor who will show you the ropes.
Secondly, you will have two parachutes attached to you, so if one fails you have your reserve parachute to keep you safe.
Statistically, there is only around 1 death for every 100,000 jumps which really is not a lot.
You are more likely to get into a car crash (1 in 6,000) than die from skydiving!
If you are worried about skydiving, you should take a visit to the dropzone and watch a few jumps to put your mind at ease!
How likely is it to get injured when skydiving?
It is so rare that you will die skydiving, but you can still get injured whilst taking part in this extreme sport.
Typical injuries that are sustained are;
- Broken leg/ankle
- Dislocated shoulders/arms
- Spinal and neck injuries
These injuries are unlikely.
Tandem experienced skydivers will train novice skydivers to stick their legs out when landing (on they land on their bum) and the experienced skydiver will take the landing to prevent injury.
What medical conditions prevent you from skydiving?
We know that you cannot skydive if you have an existing heart condition, but what about other health conditions?
| Medical Condition | Can you skydive? |
| Serious sinus/ ear infections/ issues | Yes, but you will need a doctor’s note to say it is fine for you to do so. |
| Serious back pain | Yes, but it is advised you get a doctor’s note. If you feel your back is particularly bad just before your jump, it is probably a good idea to not go. |
| Asthma/ Bronchitis | Yes. Again, you will need a doctor’s note. |
| Collapsed lung | No, you will not be allowed to skydive. |
| Uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension | No, you will not be able to skydive if your blood pressure is not controlled by medication. Skydiving can give people anxiety which will increase the blood pressure. If you take medication for these conditions, check with your doctor before you jump. |
| Being drunk or under the influence of drugs | No, you will not be permitted to skydive & will be sent away. |
| Epilepsy | Yes, you can tandem dive if you haven’t had a seizure in the past 2 years and have not taken any other medication. It is probably a good idea to check with a medical professional beforehand. |
| Stroke | No, you cannot skydive if you have recently had a stroke. |
| Colds and flu | If you have the flu or have a cold at the time of the skydive, you will not be able to jump due to increased risk of sinus damage. |
| Cancer | It is likely you will be able to skydive with cancer, however it does depend what type of cancer you have and what stage. You should speak to your doctor before you jump. |
| Pregnancy | No, you cannot tandem skydive if it is your first time at any point during pregnancy. If you have skydived before, you can skydive during pregnancy. |
| Downs syndrome | Yes! |
| Infectious diseases e.g., hepatitis or TB | No, it is possible that during your skydive you might vomit or get other bodily fluids on your instructor. However, you are able to learn to skydive without the assistance of an instructor. |
| Diabetes | Yes, you can skydive but it is best to check with your doctor. It is important to understand the risks associated with skydiving and diabetes. |
| Had surgery within the last 3 months | No, you will not be permitted to skydive and should wait at least 6 months and consult your doctor beforehand. |
| Vertigo | Yes, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor as skydiving could cause your vertigo to deteriorate. |
It’s difficult to be specific with each medical condition as skydiving (like many extreme sports) can be dangerous.
If you have medical conditions that could be heightened when skydiving, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor/ medical specialist before the big jump.
In conclusion, skydiving isn’t for everyone.
It is exhilarating and can bring so much joy.
But with the excitement from skydiving can cause an extreme adrenaline and serotonin rush.
This will cause your heart to beat rapidly. If you have a heart condition, the adrenaline rush might overwork your heart and cause a heart attack!
This is unlikely, but it is better to be safe than sorry!
