Air travel

Also known as “economy class syndrome,” DVT is a risk factor in air travel. It is a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a process by which blood clots occur and travel through the veins. DVT affects blood circulation in the veins of the legs. A clot, formed in the larger veins (in the legs), either interferes with circulation or may break off, travel and lodge in any one of the major organs such as brain, heart, liver or lungs damaging it severely. For example, if the clot lodges in the lung and interferes with blood circulation here, the condition may worsen into pulmonary thrombo-embolism, a life -threatening situation.

Sitting for long periods in a cramped position can predispose an individual to this condition. Symptoms include pain, tenderness and swelling. Preliminary results of a new research, released by WHO, state that the risk of developing VTE doubles after a travel period of four hours or more. A most recent news release states that a Dutch study puts the risk of DVT in long haul flights at almost three times. On an average, an air passenger who sits for more than four hours on a cramped seat has 1 in 4656 chance of developing DVT.

Smokers, over-weight people and those taking contraceptive pills are also at risk. In such people, coagulability (blood clotting ability) is significantly altered making them more prone to blood clots.

Prevention includes bulkhead seating, wearing support stockings, periodic walks during the flight, isometric calf exercises and adequate hydration.