Economy Class Syndrome Bothers Frequent Flyers
DVT Causes Concern for All Airline Passengers
Mar 11, 2009
Known as the "economy class syndrome", DVT occurs after prolonged periods of sitting with legs crossed or feet hanging down, causing blood to collect in leg veins. The unnatural or cramped sitting positions add pressure on the veins in one's legs. Occasionally, fluids build up in the soft tissue. The result: swollen feet.
Clotting Causes
Generally, this wouldn't be a cause for concern during a short journey. But for people on long trips, the threat increases during a long period of inactivity. Blood clots form and block blood vessels in the leg, resulting in what feels like a muscle cramp. The biggest concern with DVT is the possiblity of a blood clot traveling into a person's lung, where artery damage may occur. Or even worse, a life-threatening situation may occur.
DVT Can Affect Any Traveller
How many travelers are affected by DVT? According to the Ames-Walker Company, "London's Heathrow Airport reports one passenger death a month from DVT."
Even the most athletic of travelers can be afflicted by Deep Vein Thrombosis. Anyone with lower resting heart rates are considered to have greater risk of statis blood, which clots easily. Obese individuals, as well as smokers, are at a greater risk of suffering from DVT.
Young travelers do not seem to be affected by DVT. The same can not be said for those 65 or older. Elderly airline passengers appear to be at greater risk of developing blood clots while aboard an airplane.
Precautions To Preventing DVT
Travelers can take precautions to help lower the risk of DVT:
- Wear support compression stockings that promote circulation. Compression stockings are not synonymous with basic support hose. Instead, the compression hosiery support blood movement through one's legs and apply pressure in key places on the leg, pushing blood upward toward the heart.
- Drinkling plenty of fluids, especially water, promotes circulation. Before boarding a flight, drink water. Fruit juices loaded with polyphenols provide nutrients that keep people hydrated. Pomegranate juices are a popular choice. Avoid caffeinated beverages prior to flying since they increase the risk of dehydration.
- Avoid long periods of sleep on flights. This lowers a person's heart rate and can lead to the formation of blood clots.
- Exercise legs during the flight. A quick trip up and down the aisle promotes circulation. Flexing calf muscles while seated also lessens the risk of blood clot formation.
- Eat Omega-3 rich foods prior to and during the flight. Walnuts, almonds or peanuts are popular choices rich in the Omega-3s.
Before traveling, plan ways to keep the blood circulating. This will reduce the risk of developing DVT and let you use those racked-up frequent flyer miles.
