Vein Thrombosis| Colesville Travel

It's okay to purchase an economy seat to travel to your dream vacation.

While traveling, I am sure we have all experienced the screaming toddler kicking your seat, and the passenger that has reclined all the way back to end up almost in your lap. All these inconveniences will probably cause you to indulge in a couple of high-priced cocktails. Have no fear, there is nothing wrong with that, have that cocktail! As a matter of fact, have two!

Studies have shown that dehydration, drinking alcoholic beverages, or sitting in economy class does not increase your risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). DVT has affectionately been nicknamed “economy-class syndrome” because sitting in a cramped economy seat with little legroom was believed to put people at a higher risk for blood clots. Studies have shown this is no longer the case.

It is perfectly okay to book the least expensive seat on the plane and have a couple of drinks while flying. These things will not increase your risk of blood clots. However, the study did show other factors that will increase your chances of getting DVT: choosing a window seat, being very tall/short/obese, and not moving.

You cannot do anything about your height, but you can walk around the cabin and move, and this is the most important thing to do. So even if you are extremely comfortable in your first-class window seat, be sure to get up and walk around the cabin. Wearing compression socks, moving around, and doing calf muscle exercises will all help prevent clots as well.

It is also important to note that you do not have to be up in the air to fall victim to DVT. Anyone who sits for long periods of time can develop DVT. You must also be careful when sitting for long amounts of time on buses, cars, or trains.

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