Myocardial infarction or coronary thrombosis (known colloquially as a heart attack) occurs when part of the muscular layer of the heart is destroyed due to lack of oxygen. When taking a long trip, if we do not move and remain still for a long time, there is a risk of clots appearing that cause thrombosis. These clots, with proper treatment, disappear, but not immediately: they can take up to six months.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), also called traveler’s thrombosis or economy class syndrome, is a disease that is caused by the creation of one or more clots in the blood due to the absence of movement for long periods of time. Air travel, for example, involves spending a lot of time sitting in a very small space. And, in addition, there are other negative factors in air travel such as lower barometric pressure or dehydration.
When we do not move we run the risk of clots forming in the legs and this is something that can happen to anyone although, logically, there are many other factors that come into play such as the health status of each individual. The risk increases after four hours without leaving the seat. The chances of having a thrombus increase in some cases. For example, pregnant women, obese people or those who have had some type of respiratory, cardiac or neurological disease are at risk population.
The symptoms of thrombosis are not always easy to identify. They usually appear during the trip or shortly after, but sometimes we can only identify these signs several days or weeks later. The most obvious signs are swelling and pain in the legs, fever, tingling, difficulty walking and breathing, dizziness and tachycardia. The effects of thrombosis can be very serious, even causing death, and it is key to seek medical help as soon as we notice a sign that puts us on alert.
It is very convenient to take preventive measures. To do this we have to follow some very simple habits. During long plane trips it is optimal to choose seats that have more room to stretch your legs, such as those located at the emergency exits. We must choose comfortable clothing and shoes that do not constrict us. From time to time we must get up from our seat and take short walks.
In the seat it is good to move your legs every so often. Wearing compression stockings can especially help people who belong to a risk group. It is also necessary to hydrate with water and avoid drinks such as alcohol or coffee.
