Deep vein thrombosis is a disease that has received a description of “economy class syndrome” because of the incidents involving the passengers of long haul flights. It has become clear recently that no matter what class you choose to fly, the main thing is where you sit: near the aisle or by the window.
Physicians from the American Pulmonary College warn that if you have got a seat by the window in an airplane, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases. It does not matter what class you fly, VIP or “economy”. What matters is how much you move during the flight. Sitting by the window, the passenger of the plane has less opportunities to move about the cabin. Even if he/she is going to stand up and walk, he/she will think ten times before doing this, because it will be necessary to pass through two or even three seats. And if one of the neighbors is sleeping, it almost surely guarantees that the person, sitting by the window, will spend the entire flight in the same position.
The blood clots, that usually form in the lower limbs in cases of deep vein thrombosis, are especially dangerous if they get into your lungs via the blood circulatory system, causing pulmonary embolism and pulmonary artery occlusion. If medical care is not provided during an hour, the victim may die. DVT is especially dangerous for pregnant women, elderly people, for people suffering from obesity, cancer patients, patients taking drugs with high levels of estrogen (including oral contraceptives), as well as for those, who have recently had a surgery.
The passengers of long-haul flights (with the duration of 6 hours or more) are recommended to move more frequently and stretch the muscles of legs. People with an increased risk of thrombosis (but not the healthy passengers) must also wear compression socks or stockings. Aspirin and/or coagulants are not recommended to healthy people during the flight. These recommendations are also valid for many hours of traveling by car.
