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Economy
class syndrome
Economy
class syndrome
is the term that's used to describe deep vein thrombosis,
or DVT, a medical condition that occurs when people develop
blood clots in the deep veins of their legs. It's most likely to
happen when people sit for long periods of time (like long travel
times in cramped economy-class airplane, train, etc. seats) and
blood does not move through vessels adequately. These blood clots
can travel to the lungs or other areas, causing strokes, severe
organ damage, or death.
Are
you at risk?
'That's
what researchers have been trying to determine. In the first randomized
controlled trial to assess risk of DVT on long-haul flights (about
eight hours long), 10% of the study group developed "clinically
significant abnormalities of the lower limb veins," writes lead
author John H. Scurr, a researcher with the Royal Free
and University College Medical School in London. His study appears
in the current issue of The Lancet.
A total
of 124 men and 124 women -- all over age 50 -- took part in Scurr's
study. Each was given an ultrasound exam to ensure they had no history
of deep-vein problems. Elastic compression stockings -- the kind
worn by many hospital patients after surgery -- were randomly given
to half the group; the other half were given nothing. The people
then took separate flights to different destinations, all traveling
in economy class.
Within
48 hours of returning to London, each came back to the hospital
for another ultrasound to determine whether they had developed blood
clots. Researchers found that 12 of the passengers had developed
blood clots, and all were in the group without stockings. None
of the travelers who wore the stockings developed clots.
The data, says Scurr, point to the effectiveness of elastic stockings
to reduce risk of blood clots after surgery. He writes, "our findings
strongly suggest that stockings also protect against symptomless
DVT after air travel."
Scurr
further indicates that his numbers may be conservative because ultrasound
detects from 79% to 99% of calf vein thrombosis. "Our data may have
underestimated the true rate of calf vein thrombosis by as much
as 30%," he writes.'*
'People
at high risk for DVT include people with varicose veins or cancer,
smokers, individuals with history of leg clots, leg or pelvic surgery
or a leg injury, pregnant women, women taking birth control pills
and hormone-replacement therapy, overweight individuals, elderly
people, and very tall people.
Warning
signs include a warm or hardened area in the lower extremity, aching
legs, pins-and-needles sensations, and problems bearing weight on
the legs. If the clot moves to the lungs, chest pain is often a
sign, as is shortness of breath.'**
Ways
to prevent DVT while flying include:
- Your
blood becomes thicker when you are dehydrated, increasing risk
of clots. So try to drink an 8-ounce glass of water every
two hours when flying and avoid alcohol and coffee, as
they are dehydrating.
- Try
Fit Therapy Compression Hosiery. Such support
hose work by keeping blood flowing and preventing pooling of stagnant
blood.
- Book
a seat in an exit row, a bulkhead seat, or an aisle seat. Walk
up and down the aisle about once an hour.
- Wear
loose-fitting clothing.
- Don't
smoke.
- While
in your seat, contract your calf muscles from time to time by
clenching your toes. Another exercise, suggested by British Airways:
Bend your foot upward, spread your toes, and hold for three seconds
-- then point your foot down, clench your toes, and hold for three
seconds.
- People
at high risk of blood clots should ask their doctors whether to
take aspirin before flying to inhibit blood clotting.
- Don't
cross your legs or sit on the edge of your seat, since these positions
can reduce blood flow in your legs.
Fit
Therapy™ graduated Compression is a must if traveling on
long flights! Clinical studies prove that our products will help
prevent common ankle swelling, will improve the circulation in your
legs and will help reduce the chance of blood clots and embolisms
that can develop in the leg during long flights also known now as
“Economy Class Syndrome”, or D.V.T. (deep vein thrombosis), which
can be Fatal!
Anyone
can develop blood clots, certain people are more vulnerable, including
pregnant women, people who are overweight, smokers and those with
coronary artery diseases and certain blood conditions. Those with
higher risks should consult their physicians before flying. Generally,
the clots are absorbed into the bloodstream. If they aren’t, physicians
can treat them with drugs that dissolve the clots and prevent others
from forming and, occasionally, surgery. If a clot reaches the lung,
emergency medical assistance is required. Preventative Measures
Meanwhile, doctors recommend the following precautions for all passengers:
Get up and walk about at least once an hour.
While
seated, flex your ankles and move your feet around to stimulate
blood circulation. Remain hydrated. Consider wearing Graduated Compression
Support stockings such as Fit Therapy™ to keep blood
from settling in the veins in your legs. Most of the deaths that
have occurred resulting from “Economy Class Syndrome” would have
been prevented if the person would have know to wear Graduated Compression
Stockings.
In
the human body, the arteries, capillaries and veins are continuously
active to keep an ideal circulation. Blood returns to the heart
through the veins. Considering that the legs are furthest below
heart level, blood flow is most difficult to maintain, especially
when it is flowing upward. A system of one-directional valves in
the leg veins assist the blood flow back to the heart with each
beat. However, after many years of use this complex system of valves
eventually malfunctions or slows down, causing the blood to “pool”
or back-up in the legs causing venous insufficiency.
 Whether
Fit Therapy™ Graduated Compression Hosiery is used
as a preventative measure or to help relieve existing leg
problems, you are sure to find a complete selection to choose from.
Malfunctioning valves in the leg vein Graduated Compression Hosiery
offers It has been clinically proven that Graduated Compression
Hosiery, when applied to the lower extremities accelerates the velocity
in which blood flows back to the heart. Support hosiery featuring
Graduated Compression is recommended by physicians to help prevent
and relieve leg problems and venous disorders.
Fit
Therapy™ Graduated Compression Hosiery should be worn by:
Anyone...
- wanting
to keep their legs feeling healthy and looking young
-
with existing problems like varicose veins
- who
has a family history of venous disorders
- troubled
with swollen ankles and tired aching legs due to standing or sitting
for extended periods of time
-
who is pregnant
-
confined to bed or wheelchair
* Source
WebMD.com Article By Jeanie Lerche Davis WebMD Medical News Reviewed
By Gary Vogin, MD Copyright ©1996-2003 WebMD Inc.
**
Source WebMD.com Article By Denise Mann WebMD Medical News Copyright
©1996-2003 WebMD Inc.
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