Economy Class Syndrome / Deep Vein Thrombosis

Information About
Economy Class Syndrome / Deep Vein Thrombosis
What it is and how to protect yourself.

On October 23, 2000, just minutes after getting off a flight from Australia to London, a 28-year-old woman who was both a bride-to-be and a fitness fanatic collapsed and died from "economy class syndrome," or deep vein thrombosis.

What is this condition?
When a person is motionless for long periods of time, as during a long airline flight, blood may pool in the legs and clot. Hours later when the person becomes active again, these clots may move into other parts of the body, sometimes lodging in a vital organ and causing death.

Is it caused by air travel?

Wall Street Journal, by Melanie Trottman, 6/27/01:
Many common practices on airlines can contribute to the syndrome, including alcohol service, long periods when movement in the cabin is restricted, and the cramped quarters and infrequent supply of beverages in coach.
* * *[S]uspicions are rising that conditions in an airplane cabin -- such as the high altitude, which can decrease the oxygen absorbed into the blood -- might exacerbate the risk. Some doctors believe the dry cabin air accelerates dehydration, although the issue is widely debated. Dehydration, in turn, heightens the risk of clotting, some medical professionals say.
Although this condition has been nicknamed "economy class syndrome" based on suspicion that it may be caused by the cramped leg room in airlines' economy class seating sections, that may be a misnomer. People who are seated for a long time, whether in a building or in any other form of transportation, run the risk of developing this condition. The correct medical name for the condition is "deep vein thrombosis."
Air travel on very long flights may pose an especially high risk, however , in part because movement is so difficult. USA TODAY reported that an Australian law firm was considering suing 20 airlines on behalf of over 800 people, including the families of 36 who have died. Some airlines are now giving written warnings to passengers on long flights about the dangers of deep vein thrombosis.

How can you protect yourself?
Whenever you will be seated for a long period of time, it is important to periodically move and stimulate blood flow in your extremities. Getting up and walking can help, but even if you are stuck in a window seat of an airplane, you can take steps to protect yourself from deep vein thrombosis by engaging in some form of seated exercise.
One useful tool that is available to you is In-Flight Yoga, an audio cassette tape developed by certified yoga teacher Carol Dickman for use while traveling by air, even when wearing your seat belt. After reviewing the tape, Dr. Stanley Mohler concluded that In Flight Yoga is "an excellent preventive" for economy class syndrome:

More about In-Flight Yoga
In-Flight Yoga is a 42 minute audio program that guides the traveler through simple stretches, yoga postures, and a brief relaxation, all done in the seat with the seat belt fastened. Even if you are on a short flight and have little worry about "economy class syndrome," this tape will help reduce the stress of travel so you reach your destination feeling relaxed and renewed. For reviews, audio samples, and information on ordering, click on the cover image to the left.

If you would like more information about deep vein thrombosis,
including links to airline advisories, click here.