Julián Pérez-Villacastín
Head of Cardiology at San Carlos Clinical Hospital and professor at Complutense University of Madrid
This is an ingenious study in which hypoxia at a mountain-like altitude of over 2,000 metres is combined with alcohol intake. It is true that the researchers observe alterations in oxygen saturation and heart rate. The study was carried out under conditions that can then be extrapolated to what happens in aeroplanes, on long night-time journeys when people can sleep for a few hours.
The aeroplane scenario is very special because of the anxiety, fear and specific circumstances that occur during long flights. It would be ideal to study the direct consequences that can affect health specifically during flights, and the reality is that there are not as many problems as might be suggested by studies such as this one.