Economy class syndrome: is flying safe?
3 November, 2000
Air safety issues have been gaining renewed attention in Australia following the death of an apparently healthy 28-year-old woman after she developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following a flight from Sydney to the United Kingdom.
Air travel has been considered a risk for DVT. DVT often starts with a blood clot in the deep leg veins that can have fatal consequences if it breaks loose and works its way to the heart or lungs, where it can cause a blockage in narrower vessels.
Blood clots are formed when blood is not moving and coagulates. This natural mechanism ensures blood flow will stop following minor accidents and cuts. If a clot (known as a thrombus) forms in the deep veins of the leg, DVT occurs. If the clot is dislodged and begins to circulate around the body—when it becomes known as an embolus—it can cause a major obstruction in the heart or lungs. If the clot becomes lodged in the lung, this is known as a pulmonary embolus.
The deep veins of the leg run inside the leg muscles and are not visible. Contraction of the leg muscles, for example, when you walk around, has a pump-like action, which encourages the blood to circulate. DVT is most likely to occur when the muscles are inactive for long periods, for example, during prolonged bed rest.
Now, a letter published in Lancet (28/10/00) detailing a new study has failed to find an association between air travel and DVT.
The study focused on 788 patients who were suspected of having a DVT, based on clinical evidence. The diagnosis of DVT was confirmed in a quarter and these people were compared with the other 602 people who formed the control group. A recent travel history was obtained from all participants by questionnaire and analysed.
After the results had been adjusted to take age, sex and previous related conditions into account, the researchers concluded that there was no association between travel and an increased risk of thrombosis, even for journeys lasting more than 5 hours.
Peter Gibson of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia said the risk of developing flight-related DVT was minimal, but there were some simple prevention steps to set your mind at ease.
‘Every hour or so, walk around the cabin, move your feet and legs regularly. Try to drink lots of water or juices, and avoid alcohol, coffee and tea to ensure you don’t become dehydrated.’
Mr Gibson said that anyone with a family history of DVT, anyone who is pregnant, has recently had an operation, or has a history of cardiovascular problems should consult their doctor before embarking on long haul flights.
Last Reviewed: 07 December 2000
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