"Economy Class Syndrome" - a New Concern for Air Travelers

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) creates concern by even the most athletic air travelers.

Asheboro, NC (PRWEB) February 18, 2007 -- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is believed to be caused by sitting in unnatural, or cramped positions, such as in the "economy-class" seats on flights for long periods of time. Blood clots can form in the calves of about 5% of air travelers, but those with lower heart rates are prone to the more serious Deep Vein Thrombosis. The profile of DVT, or "Economy Class Syndrome" has been raised recently in a number of widely reported health issues among long-flight airline passengers. The clots are dangerous when they block blood vessels in the leg, or worse, in the lungs. This injury can often feel like a muscle cramp and is usually misdiagnosed, which worsens the injury and increases the risk of DVT. The English soccer team actually broke their trip into two segments when flying to the World Cup in Japan - taking a two-day rest stop and wearing compression stockings during the flights.

Almost 85% of air travelers that experience DVT are athletic. People with lower resting heart rates are considered to have greater risk of stagnant, statis blood, which is subject to clotting. Runners and endurance-type athletes are actually more likely to have sore muscles and bruising that can trigger clotting. 82% of passengers that experience DVT are actually under the age of 60.

In recent years, many airlines have begun distributing information making passengers aware of the risks of DVT over long flights. However, further measures can be taken to assure that those who spend much of their time on planes can prevent the effects of DVT.

Some suggestions for frequent travelers include:

- Wear graduated support compression stockings to encourage circulation (Don't confuse compression stockings with support stockings. "Regular" Support stockings can actually be harmful).
- Passengers should flex their legs at fifteen-minute intervals during their trip. A helpful 5 minute airline stretch has been developed and be downloaded at our site: http://www.economyclasssyndrome.net or http://www.ameswalker.com
- If other risk factors---such as a personal or family history of clots---are present, more frequent flexing and compression stockings are strongly advised.
- Avoid sleeping on the flight if possible.
- Drink lots of water, and exercise by walking up and down the aisle during the flight.

For more information on compression stockings to pro actively prevent the effects of DVT, visit http://www.ameswalker.com.

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