• A deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots in the deep veins of the legs.
• A clot that passes up the blood vessels and through the heart can become lodged in one of the small blood vessels supplying the lungs. The result is that this can cut off the oxygen supply to the body. This potentially fatal condition is known as a pulmonary embolism.
• Some people have a higher than normal risk of deep vein thrombosis. These people include pregnant women, women taking the pill, people who have had a recent operation, are aged over 40 or have cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a previous stroke). These people are those most at risk of blood clots when they fly.
• Staying still for longer periods, such as when in an aircraft seat, slows blood flow from the legs back to the heart, which increases the danger of blood clots. Restricted legroom can slow the flow of blood even more, particularly when the back of the seat in front is pressing on the front of the legs.
• It is not clear by how much flying increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, because there has been little research. Last year a Government-commissioned report estimated the risk was 'exceedingly small' for healthy people. However, anecdotal reports from doctors working in hospitals near to airports suggest as many as 300 people per year die because they had a deep vein thrombosis when flying.

• Travellers can avoid blood clots by flying in first or business class.
• The press has dubbed deep vein thrombosis "economy class syndrome". But be warned passengers in first and business class also get blood clots in their legs.
• Deep vein thrombosis is only a risk for long-haul flyers.
  This is not true, doctors think that blood clots can form in the legs even on journeys as short as three hours.
• People who drive or take the bus or train are not at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis.Scientists have linked blood clots to long journey made by all these means of transport. Travellers using all modes of transport should also take steps to limit their risk deep vein thrombosis by following the tips below.

• Don't keep to your seat throughout the flight, walk around the plane regularly.
• While seated, exercise the calf muscles every half hour by flexing and rotating the ankles for a few minutes.
• Sleep only for short periods and do not take sleeping pills that could keep you motionless for hours.
• Unless your doctor has told you not to take aspirin, take one before getting on the flight. Aspirin makes it more difficult for blood to clot.

Consider wearing support stockings during the flight to reduce the risk of clots.

Travel & Flight Socks are available at:

Packables

Back