Frequent Air Travelers and Window Seat Lovers in Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

 Crammed up seats with poor leg space and restricted movement can increase your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT refers to the swelling and blood clot in the deep vein in the leg which can lead to more life threatening complications like Pulmonary Embolism (PE), a blockage in the lung.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is not necessarily related to air travel or drinking alone but may develop as a complication to pregnancy, obesity, cancer, recent surgery, extended hospitalization or being bedridden for long, aging etc. Air travel for long durations with an increased frequency increases the travelers risk for blood clots in the vein. A window seat usually restricts the movement of the person due to the crammed up seat and the discomfort his oft getting up may cause to the others. The aisle is out of reach and so are the washrooms, the refreshments and a walk for some ‘fresh air’. This hikes the risk of dehydration in the passenger which in turn may augment the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Earlier studies preferred to call DVT an “Economic Class Syndrome”. These studies pointed out that Deep Vein Thrombosis affected passengers travelling in the Economic Class in the window seats more than those travelling in the Business Classes. But newer studies point out that in women,  it was not only being immobile for long, an inflight drink or dehydration but also contraceptive pills which contributed to Deep Vein Thrombosis.

tenderness or pain in the calf

warmth and redness

swelling in the area

shortness of breath

a rapid heart rate

stabbing pain in the chest

an unexplained cough.

prefer the aisle seat in long travels

try to keep your thighs clear of the edge of your seat.

use foot rests as far as possible particularly if you are at risk

walk around as often as possible

drink a lot of fluids

stretch your calf muscles

reduce alcohol during travelling

ask your doctor if compression stockings help you

To lower your risks have garlic and turmeric in your daily diet for better blood circulation. Get concentrated curcumin (the active compounds in turmeric) in more convenient capsule form in  VITAMERIC.

Enjoy your flight!

-Aparna K.V.