The small distance between your seat and that of your neighbor on a long flight is more than an inconvenience -- it could cause a serious medical problem. The association of deep vein thrombosis with airports runs so strongly that is has earned the moniker "economy class syndrome," according to Dr. Stanley Mohler, an aerospace medicine expert at Wright State University School of Medicine. Sitting in tight confines for extended periods of time can cause a blood clot to form in the deep veins of your leg. This condition can be serious or even fatal. However, it's preventable. By performing simple leg exercises, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a problem.
Blood Clots
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood circulates in unmoving leg muscles, forming a clot in the deep veins of the leg. Pain in the calf muscles during or soon after a long flight is the most common symptom, says Dr. Mohler. Usually, the clot disappears and the pain goes away once you reach your destination and walk around. In severe cases, the clot material may reach the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, or a blockage in the lung. For a day or two, you may experience coughing, mild discomfort in your chest or other symptoms similar to the flu. Others may experience chest pain similar to a heart attack. The most severe cases -- heart complications and death -- occur when the clot blocks the pulmonary artery, a large artery that sends blood to the lungs.
Standing
Dr. Mohler advises walking up and down the aircraft's aisles periodically to reduce your risk of clots. Don't be reluctant to move around, even on crowded flights where it may disturb your neighbors. Walk up and down the aisle at least once an hour. While at your seat, stand up and shake out your legs, or rise up on your toes slowly to exercise your legs. It also may help to walk quickly through the airport during a layover, the American Council on Exercise recommends.
Seated
While seated, massaging your feet, knees, lower legs and ankles may help move blood out of the legs and toward your heart, which could help prevent a clot from forming, advises Dr. Mohler. Avoid crossing your legs while seated, as that could increase your risk of a clot. Adjusting your position every half hour could help prevent a clot from forming, states the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.
Other Exercises
Dr. Mohler recommends clenching your toes to exercise your calf muscles while seated. Other exercises for improving circulation include ankle rotations in which you draw circles with your toes clockwise and counterclockwise, foot pumps in which you flex and then point your toes, foot lifts, knee lifts, legs lifts and toe reaches. Spend 15 seconds on each exercise, once an hour. Other simple stretching exercises may also provide benefits.
Other Factors
To reduce your chances of developing a blood clot, Dr. Mohler recommends booking a seat by an exit row, aisle or bulkhead, which may offer more leg room. Constricting clothing such as knee-length socks could contribute to a blood clot, as could dehydration. Wear loose clothes and low socks and drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. Obesity, cigarette smoking, cancer, recent general anesthesia, estrogen therapy and having a history of blood clots may place you at greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, Dr. Mohler warns. Talk to your doctor if you believe you're at risk for blood clotting.
References
- Boonshoft School of Medicine; Frequent Flyers Beware: Simple Steps Can Prevent "Economy Class Syndrome"; April 1, 2003
- The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; Reducing Your Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis During Airline Travel; March 2001
- American Council on Exercise; How to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis on Long Plane Flights; 2011
