Airline Flying and DVT, Also Known as ‘Economy Class Syndrome’

Mar 24, 2009

Recently there has been a lot of publicity in the media about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and its links to air travel. So what is DVT and how can it be prevented?

DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis, also referred to as ‘Economy Class Syndrome’ has gained notoriety in recent times. Basically it is caused by extended periods of immobility, which can lead to the development of a blood clot, usually in the legs. It is only likely to occur on long haul flights of five hours or more, and the problem is not restricted to air travel, but can happen if one is immobile for a long time for any reason.

The Symptoms of DVT

DVT is very difficult to spot, as the symptoms tend to be similar to a number of other conditions. Symptoms can occur a few hours after travelling, or even days later, though the majority of people experience the effects during the flight. DVT is most common in the lower limbs, where pain, swelling and discoloration of the affected region may occur. The leg may also show a congestion of superficial veins. However, it is important to realize that many people naturally experience swelling of the ankles during a flight, which is not in any way associated with DVT.

There may, however, be no symptoms at all until a pulmonary embolism occurs. This is the result of small pieces of a clot detaching and being carried through the blood stream to the heart and lungs. This may happen several hours or even days after the formulation of the clot, and can result in chest pains, shortness of breath and even sudden death.

Those at Risk of DVT

With an ever-increasing number of long haul flights every year, the number of individuals likely to be effected by DVT has inevitably also increased. All travellers are susceptible to DVT, though cramped seating often found in Economy Class may compound the problem – hence the term ‘Economy Class Syndrome’. However, DVT is not exclusive to long haul travellers, and any mode of transport which entails long periods of immobility may be responsible for DVT.

Every year DVT occurs in about 1 in 2000 people in the general population, ranging from less than 1 in 3000 in people under the age of 40, up to 1 in 500 in those over 80. Some people are more susceptible to DVT than others. As a general rule, the risk of DVT automatically increases with age. The risk also increases for those who have previously had a similar condition, are suffering from other serious diseases, have had recent surgery, or are pregnant. Research has also suggests that smoking, obesity and varicose veins can also compound susceptibility to DVT. When flying, the risks increase if the traveler has long periods of immobility, is seated in a cramped position, or is dehydrated

 

Preventing DVT

There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of DVT. It is best to avoid alcohol during flights, and instead drink plenty of water, to avoid dehydration. Travellers should use foot rests, and try to move around as much as is practical. One can also purchase elastic flight socks which are especially designed to reduce the risk of DVT; these are readily available at most pharmacies.

Despite the serious nature of DVT, it is important to stress that occurrences of it are very rare. The best advice for all travellers is to regularly carry out a serious of series of simple leg exercises which keep the leg muscles moving throughout the duration of a long haul flight.

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