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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

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What is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots within vessels. Blood does not normally clot within vessels and the development of such clots may lead to problems.

Where does it occur and why?

Thrombosis can potentially occur in any blood vessel and may have fatal consequences if it obstructs the flow of blood to a vital organ. In the context of air travel, we are concerned with thrombosis occurring in the deep veins of the lower legs.

The deep veins of the lower legs are situated in the muscles of the calf. Compression of the veins by muscular contraction, cause a pumping effect (the muscle pump) aiding the return of blood to the heart. If the muscle pump is not working (e.g. due to immobilization), the blood flow in the veins may decrease (known as venous stasis) to the point where small clots may form. Most of these are too small to cause problems. However, they may sometimes enlarge significantly or link up to produce a large obstructive thrombus.

Immobility in a seated position is an obvious predisposition to DVT as the veins of the legs can get compressed and cause stasis. DVT is known to occur in passengers on long-distance road or rail journeys as well as those by air. The common factor in all of these is immobility rather than the environment. Pressurized cabins and high altitude of aircraft have no impact on the risk of developing a DVT.

Why is it sometimes called "Economy Class Syndrome"?

The term "Economy Class Syndrome" was first used in 1977 in a paper entitled "Pulmonary thromboembolism after travel". It is, in fact, an inaccurate term as there is no firm link between air travel in any class per se and the development of DVT. The House of Lords report recommends the use of the more appropriate term "traveler’s thrombosis".

In mid 2007 the World Health Organization published the Wright Study that confirms that the primary factor involved in DVT formation is a long period of immobility. High altitude and pressurised cabins have no impact. Long periods of immobility in trains, buses and automobiles carry similar risks.

How frequent is DVT and is it becoming more common?

The normal rate of occurrence in the general population in the UK is 1 per 1,000 to 1 per 10,000 people every year, depending on age. According to the Wright Study 1 in 6,000 passengers develop DVT after periods of immobility of 4 hours or more.

Travel by air is now much more frequent than before. Modern aircraft feature greater travelling ranges and can carry more passengers, both of which have enhanced the convenience and affordability of air travel. This has resulted in a much greater number of long-haul air journeys. Consequently, it is expected that the total number of DVTs that occur during flight would also increase.

Greater convenience and safety of air travel also means that the elderly or persons with disabilities who may previously have been reluctant to travel now undertake extensive air journeys. Overall, the House of Lords report estimates an average additional risk from long-distance travel (by any means) of 0.2 per thousand people per year.

Are some people more at risk of having a DVT than others?

Yes. There are certain predisposing factors that are well known to contribute to the risk of having a DVT. These are:

  • Increasing age over 40 years old
  • Pregnancy *
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Previously or currently suffering from malignant cancer *
  • Blood disorders which lead to an increased clotting tendency *
  • Heart disease or blood vessel disease *
  • Personal or family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism*
  • Oestrogen hormone therapy, including oral contraception *
  • Previous / recent immobilization *
  • Depletion of body fluids causing increased blood viscosity
  • Varicose veins

Obviously, if more than one of the above applies to you, your risk of having a DVT is further increased. If this is the case, or you have any one of the conditions marked '*', we suggest you seek the advice of your doctor before flying.

Can I do anything to reduce my risk of getting DVT while travelling by air?


  • Do some stretching exercises when waiting to use the washroom.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing around the upper thighs and body.


What are the symptoms of a DVT?

The most common features of a DVT are:

  • Pain or tenderness of the calf muscles
  • Increased skin temperature and/or redness of the leg
  • Dilation of the veins right below the skin of the leg

Is a DVT the same as a Pulmonary Embolism?

No. A pulmonary embolism (PE) or a lung clot may occur as a result of a DVT if a piece of a large thrombus breaks off (It is then known as an embolus) and is carried by the blood flow back to the heart. It is then passed through the heart into the blood vessels of the lung where it may cause obstruction of the blood flow. If, as a result, a considerably large area of the lung is damaged, the injury may be fatal. Only about 1 in every 100 DVTs results in a PE.

What is Dragon Airlines doing to prevent DVTs in passengers?

Our prime concern is the safety and health of all passengers. Although most people can undertake extensive air travel with minimal added risks, this is not the case for everyone. We aim to provide potential passengers with as much information as practicable to help you make informed decisions on your suitability to travel, and whether you should make such a decision after consulting your own doctor, and perhaps being prescribed preventive measures which may include consuming low dosage of soluble aspirin, wearing anti-embolism stockings or even taking anti-coagulant therapy for those at highest risks. There is still much to learn about DVTs and air travel. Many research projects are underway in this field, often conducted with airline funding. We are constantly updating our in-flight advice to passengers and will introduce new measures if future evidence indicates that as appropriate.
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