Window Seat Increases Risk of Blood Clots
New findings reveal that risk of blood clots in the legs, known at deep venous thromboses (DVTs), is increased in plane passengers who sit at window seats.
Regardless of whether the passenger is in first class or a seat in economy, the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) warn that going long periods without movement increase your DVT risk.
"DVT risk has nothing to do with the economy class," explained Dr. Gordon H. Guyatt, chair of the ACCP panel of leading physicians who drafted the new findings. "Really, the evidence is that actually where you sit isn't really an issue. It's how much you move around."
The guidelines about DVTs by the group of leading physicians can be found in the February edition of the medical journal CHEST.
"If you're in a window seat you are probably more willing to sit for long periods of time being uncomfortable because you are reluctant to make anybody else move to let you out," furthered Guyatt.
Usually DVTs occur in the legs, but the blood clots can become dangerous and even deadly if they travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they form potentially lethal pulmonary embolisms.
The experts note that long-haul immobility boosts the chances of DVT, and because the window seat on a plane requires more effort in order to move, passengers with the seat have an even higher risk of the blood clots.
The ACCP also pointed out that DVT is only a concern for those who have already suffered from blood clots and who are unhealthy.
"The first thing to say is that if you are a healthy person you should not really worry about DVT because your risk -- even on a long-term flight -- is considerably less than one in a thousand," Guyatt said.
Guyatt specified that those at higher risk of DVTs include people who have an abnormal coagulation system or a disability that affects mobility, as well as those who are obese or have had cancer.
Also, pregnant passengers or elderly are prone to DVTs, as are people who recently underwent surgery or trauma.
The ACCP urges flight passengers to stand and stretch frequently, especially focusing on the calf muscles. The guidelines mention that those at a higher risk of DVTs should wear graduated compression stockings that stretch to below the knee and discourage the use of aspirin or other anticoagulant medications for the flight.
