Information Madness

Window seats on airplanes can boost up the risk of deep vein thromboses. Long distance flights and a window seat can raise your chances of risk factors for blood clots as per the American College of Chest Physicians. This risk goes higher if you are taking some preventative medicines. Other risk factors include old age, pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives.

People travelling in the economy class have a higher risk because of the cramped leg space between seats. This can be a myth as the risk of developing a blood clot during a long haul flight could also apply to other classes too. Deep vein thromboses are blood clots. They usually develop in the legs. If a clot breaks away, it can cause a disturbing and sometimes fatal blockage in the lungs specially which is known as pulmonary embolism.

The risk of developing such blood clots is greater in flights which are longer than ten hours in duration. Prolonged sitting, particularly in a window seat where you are less likely to get up and move around, can increase the risk of deep vein thromboses.

Smoking and obesity are other risk factors. You also have to be careful about not drinking too much alcohol on flights. At the same time, you have to drink water regularly and keep yourself hydrated. All long haul passengers should take preventive measures like getting out of their seats and walking around to stretch their calf muscles.

It is better to opt for an aisle seat on longer duration flights. It is also advisable to wear graduated compression stockings.