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