Originally Posted by
jameslon
Speaking of physical effects affecting oneself on board flights, has anyone experienced a locking effect in the hand - i.e. your hand goes stiff and moving the fingers is more difficult, and they go a bit tingly. I've noticed this on a couple of flights recently - 3-4 hr European, always during the ascent soon after take off. I was with my mother on one of these flights and we both experienced the same.
If you smoke it could be a warning that peripheral vascular disease is in your future (ie the early symptons are more apparent at lower pressures).