Long Haul Flights DVT

27.09.07

According to a new study Air passengers travelling for longer than four hours are three times more likely to have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to non-flyers.

DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg. It can cause complications if the clot moves and travels into the lungs. While DVT has been linked to air travel since the 1950s this is the first time the absolute risk of long haul flights has been assessed.

Dutch scientists surveyed 8,755 employees of global organisations, with an average age of 40, and followed them over four years to see if they developed DVT. Fifty-three people had DVT within eight weeks of flying.

• Wear loose fitting clothes and flight socks.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Don't cross your legs.
• Exercise the muscles of your lower legs while sitting - pull your toes towards your knees then relax, or press the balls of your feet down while raising your heels.
• Take occasional short walks up and down the aisle.