Risks at high altitude

Risks at high altitude

The reason for the sudden death of rights campaigner Munir
onboard a Garuda flight to the Netherlands will be disclosed only
after an autopsy is performed on his remains.

According to two Indonesian doctors, people in general have
run the risk of heart attacks and respiratory problems when
flying due to lower oxygen pressure.

A doctor at the Air Force's Saryanto Aviation Health
Institute, Col. Herman, said that flying at a height of between
5,000 and 8,000 feet could lead to a drop in oxygen pressure in
the cabin.

"For people who suffer a number of ailments, including
problems with the brain or heart or lungs, and low blood
pressure, they will be at risk while flying," Herman told The
Jakarta Post.

"The symptoms can vary, ranging from breathing difficulties
and headaches to stomachaches. They might vomit and defecate
frequently," he said.

Supporting Herman's analysis was Merdias Almatsier, the
director of the Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital. He said
people who were exhausted could also suffer from hypo-oxygen
while they were onboard.

"Most of the symptoms affect aging people whose brains can
suffer damage due to the lower oxygen pressure," he told the
Post. -- JP