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Homepage Preventing Flight Problems Prior to the Flight During the Flight Medical Problems Pregnancy Flying with Kids Deep Vein Thrombosis What is DVT? |
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Those at Risk of DVT
More and more people are at risk of DVT today. With an ever increasing number of long haul flights every year, so through this natural growth, the number of individuals likely to be effected by DVT has inevitably also increased.
All passengers are susceptible to DVT, economy and first class flyers despite being dubbed ‘Economy Class Syndrome' ( though cramped seating often found in economy class may compound the possibility of DVT occurring).
DVT is not, however, 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 for those aged over 40, with less than 1 in 3,000 people aged under 40 effected by DVT, but 1 in 500 in those over 80. This can also be compounded by one or more of the following risk factors:
- Previous thrombotic episodes (especially pulmonary embolism)
- Documented thrombophilic abnormality
- Certain haematological disorders
- Prior history or currently suffering from malignant disease e.g. cancer
- Congestive heart failure
- Recent surgery (especially lower limbs)
- Pregnancy or recently had a baby
- Post-thrombotic Syndrome
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Hormone treatment (including the oral contraceptive pill and oestrogen) containing hormone replacement therapy
- Recent major surgery or injury, particularly affecting the lower limbs or abdomen, especially hips or knees
- Dehydration
- Research has also suggests that smoking, obesity and varicose veins can also compound your susceptibility to DVT.
In addition to the above, when flying DVT becomes more of a risk factor if you experience:
- Extended periods of immobility
- A cramped position for the duration of the flight (this may include keeping a seated posture for the duration of the flight)
- Dehydration as a result of alcohol intake.
- Compression of the popliteal vein by the edge of the seat.
The aviation industry still reluctantly admits a connection between the increased risk of DVT and flying. Above all with regard to the general public, those at greatest risk are travellers who fail to move about and exercise during the flight.