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A Leg Up on DVT
Err Travel · November 28, 2001

Deep vein thrombosis.

You've probably heard of it. If not, you've probably heard of the media term for it: economy class syndrome.

Prior to September 11, it was gaining front-page and primetime, newspaper and television attention. It is a popular, bite-size, travel topic. (Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have heard of it for sure. They may be looking at $14 million in damages for failing to tell British travelers about its "dangers.")

Adding to its popularity is its distinction of being awarded a three-letter acronym - DVT. Such a designation seems to amplify its gravity in a similar way as does a three-word name conveyed upon especially degenerate criminals - John Wayne Gacy, Richard Allen Davis, John Wilkes Booth, and the like.

But what the heck is DVT? Well in a nutshell, DVT refers to the formation of a blood clot, or "thrombus," within a "deep vein" often in a leg. When severe, a clot can block the flow of blood causing a nasty state of affairs. Worse, a clot may break free, travel to a lung, and block an artery there-an even nastier state of affairs known as a pulmonary embolism.

While anyone can develop DVT, some people are more vulnerable. These include people who are overweight, people who smoke, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with coronary artery diseases and certain blood conditions. Also, short people may be more vulnerable in airplane seats if their feet don't reach the floor.

Because restricted movement of the legs contributes to thrombosis, this ailment has been associated with the sardine packaging of economy class airline passengers. However, a link between DVT and air travel has never been scientifically established.

So enter the World Health Organization. As soon as it can raise US$11 million, it plans to look for a link. WHO officials-from the organization above, not from the rock band-hope that governments and the airline industry will ante up the dough for the research. Eleven million bucks? Jeez, for $10,999,999.95 less, I have a better plan.

First put the responsibility for avoiding DVT where it belongs-with the passengers. I don't doubt the existence or even the seriousness of DVT. And I don't doubt that airline travel can contribute to its incidence. But avoiding DVT is clearly a personal responsibility, not an airline responsibility.

Next, help passengers fulfill their responsibilities by distributing the following information to reduce the risk of DVT:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes on your flight.
• Move around before getting on your plane.
• Just prior to boarding, take a single, low-dose aspirin to thin the blood. (Note: Do not take aspirin if you have stomach ulcers or suffer from indigestion.)
• During the flight, don't cross your legs. Do wriggle your toes and flex your ankles. Walk up and down the aisle when you can-at least once every hour.
• Drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid alcohol. Even if DVT has no link or only a only a weak association with flying, the worst that can happen by following these travel tips is the alleviation of other flying discomforts.

Dr. Terry Riley is a psychologist and travel security authority. He is author of the popular book Travel Can Be Murder. Visit his site at http://www.appliedpsychology.com or e-mail him at terry@ticked.com.