Long distance travelers in greater risk from Deep Vein Thrombosis

Long distance travelers in greater risk from Deep Vein Thrombosis

It does not matter whether you travel from four hours or forty, research has conclusively revealed that long distance travelers have a small but increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The main cause for the same, has been pinned to extended immobility.

The results of this extensive largest ever research of its kind was published by the Department for Transport. It states that any journey of over 4 hours leads to an increase formation of blood clot in leg veins. Study of air travelers has shown the occurrence of one case of DVT for every 6000 hours of journey that last for more than 4 hours.

Yet, it has been observed that such clots are more common in people who are under hospitalization. Every year about 1-3 per 1000 from the general population suffer from such clots. Between the age under 40 it is as low as 1 in 3000 while over the age of 80 it's 1 in 500. In all DVT cases however, only 1 percent cases prove fatal.

The funding for this grand project was provided by the Department for Transport, Department of health and European Commission. A consortium of scientists specializing in medical research conducted the research for the World Health Organization.

Minister of Transport, Karen Buck has said that:

“This important research project has shown that DVT can occur in any form of travel where people remain seated for a long time.

“Incidences of DVT are generally low, but long journeys were found to increase the risk by approximately three-fold, which is the level comparable to the risk of DVT faced by women during pregnancy.

Despite the rarity of DVT occurrences, he has recommended that all travelers should refer to the advice of the Department of Health which suggests moving feet at regular interval, walking – if possible and drinking non-alcoholic drinks like water to avoid dehydration.