Low pressure and low oxygen factors in DVT and long flights

Low pressure and low oxygen factors in DVT and long flights

Researchers say that the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during flights may not be due simply to sitting still; they say the low pressure and low oxygen environment during air travel may also contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis in some susceptible individuals.

Professor Rosendaal concludes that "Activation of coagulation [clotting] occurs in some individuals after an 8 hour flight, indicating an additional mechanism to immobilisation underlying air travel related thrombosis."

However other experts insist that prolonged immobilisation in a sitting position plays an important role in provoking thrombosis and this applies to trips by train or car as well.
They continue to recommend exercising during flights, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding excess alcohol and sedatives.