Most people with heart conditions can fly safely, according to experts, following years of confusion over the issue.

New guidelines from the British Cardiac Society said only a few conditions are likely to warrant restrictions.

The document follows a 2007 report from the Lords Science and Technology Committee which called for specific guidance for passengers, doctors and airlines.

Fears have been raised in the past over whether people with heart conditions should fly, particularly those who may be affected by reduced levels of oxygen in the plane’s cabin.

But the new guidance says there is “no significant threat” to heart patients from air travel – and certainly not for medium- or short-haul flights. Even those with the most severe conditions can still fly if they follow the guidelines closely.

Some patients are advised they may need in-flight oxygen while those at high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are told to take extra precautions, including wearing pressure stockings and taking a blood thinner other than aspirin.

Writing in the journal Heart, experts said: Following this review of evidence and after due consideration, it is clear that there are few cardiovascular conditions that warrant the denial of fitness to fly as a passenger.