Posted By Eddie
Peter, you may be interested in the latest research findings on this.
‘ECONOMY CLASS SYNDROME’ DISPROVED
Long-haul flights with restricted legroom do not increase the risk of travellers developing fatal blood clots, according to new research. After conducting research on over 700 patients, Dutch scientists have
revealed that the so-called ‘economy class syndrome’ is a myth. The news comes only days after 28-year-old Emma Christoffersen collapsed and died, minutes after stepping off a 20-hour flight from Australia.
She had suffered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot from in the legs which blocks blood vessels in the lungs. It has long been
thought that the cramped conditions and low air pressure in economy class increased the likelihood of developing a DVT, however
scientists have found no link. The study, which is published in ‘The Lancet’ medical journal today, examined the medical histories of patients with suspected DVT of the
leg. They were asked if they had taken a journey of more than three hours by car, bus, boat, plane or train in the last month. However, even for flights lasting more than five hours, no association was shown. Roderik Kraaijenhagen, of the University of Amsterdam, said: “These results do not lend support to the widely accepted dogma that
long travelling time is a risk factor for venous thrombosis." Women taking the contraceptive pill and smokers are particularly at risk from thrombosis, and when flying are advised to take an Aspirin
and drink plenty of water. Relatives of Miss Christoffersen have called for airlines to warn passengers of the possible dangers during a flight. It is thought that the Civil Aviation Authority will soon call for an increase in the minimum size and spacing of cabin seats. (The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, Daily Express, Daily Star)
http://www.netdoctor.co....y=2000&m=10&d=27#id34492Eddie.