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This is the British Airways Fact Sheet on DVT -
Traveller's thrombosis - the risks and the research
Clotting of blood in the lower legs is known as deep venous thrombosis
(DVT). This has become known in the press as "economy class syndrome"
but the term is misleading. Individuals seated in theatres, cars,
trucks, buses, etc may all be at risk, and cases of DVT occurring
in flight have been reported in travellers in premium cabins as
well as economy. The term 'travellers thrombosis' is much more accurate.
There appears to be individual susceptibility to the development
of DVT.
Risk factors include:
· Previous DVT
· Malignancy
· Hormone treatment
· Recent surgery
· Family history of DVT
· Abnormalities of blood clotting factors
· Recent trauma involving lower limbs
A paper published in 'Chest' (Feb 99) showed that recent travel
is a risk factor for developing DVT. However, of the 160 patients
seen, only 9 had travelled by air in the past 4 weeks, with 28 travelling
by car and 2 by train.
British Airways has supported a study of DVT by Dr Patrick Kesteven
of Newcastle University. The findings are similar to those above
and confirm that although recent travel appears to be a risk factor
there is no conclusive evidence that flying is a specific risk in
itself. It seems to be the immobility rather than the environment
which is a factor.
Advice to avoid the development of DVT:
· Drink adequate fluids
· Avoid smoking
· Avoid alcohol
· Avoid crossing legs when seated
· Walk around the cabin whenever you can
· Stand up in your seat area and stretch your arms and legs
· Carry out the foot and leg exercises advised in the Well-Being
section of the British Airways Highlife in-flight magazine
· Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes when travelling
· Seek medical advice before travelling if any previous history
of DVT or risk factors (listed previously).
In brief, the aim is to improve the circulation in the legs and
to minimise the tiredness and stiffness that may result from sitting
in one place for a long time. We advise you to stand up and stretch
your arms and legs every couple of hours. In addition,
· Gently lean the head to one side. Rest for 3 seconds and breath
out. Repeat the other side. Repeat 3 times.
· Lift hands, breathe in deeply and hold for 3 seconds. Place the
arms behind your head. Breathe out. Repeat 3 times.
· Bend the foot upwards, spread your toes and hold for 3 seconds.
Point the foot downwards clenching toes and hold for 3 seconds.
Repeat 3 times.
For further information on health on-board please refer to our
dedicated website: www.britishairways.com/health
Scholl now make special 'Flight socks' which can reduce the risk
of DVT. Available from Boots, Superdrug & other chemists.
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