This pathology, also colloquially known as economy class syndrome, refers to suffering from an episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE), that is, the formation of a clot in the veins of the legs with the risk of it detaching and migrating to the pulmonary circulation, causing higher risk diseases.
According to specialists, the association between venous thrombosis and prolonged travel is more evident on trips of more than 4 hours and, above all, on those that last more than 8 hours.
Dr. Reverter affirms that the appearance of thrombosis is “something unpredictable, since it can affect days or weeks after the trip in question”. However, cases have also been described immediately after displacement.
The incidence of venous thromboembolism is 1 per 1,000 people per year, but the number of cases is higher in people who travel for more than 4 hours and with advanced age or other risk factors.
According to the SETH, the main problem is that most of these clots do not initially cause symptoms and are therefore difficult to diagnose.
Risk factors that may favor venous thrombosis are advanced age, history of previous thrombosis, recent surgery or trauma, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, obesity, cancer, or genetic predisposition to thrombosis.
Other stimuli for blood clotting, in addition to prolonged immobilization, are dehydration, decreased oxygen levels, and reduced atmospheric pressure (hypobaric hypoxia).
The diagnosis of venous thrombosis is sometimes difficult because the signs and symptoms are not always obvious. In general, the clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of pain, swelling and redness of the leg, in a section of the leg (above or below the calf). The pain usually increases when pressure is applied at the calf level in the affected leg.
In some people at risk, in addition to general measures, the use of stockings that maintain moderate pressure on the leg or the use of drugs that interfere with blood coagulation, such as heparin, is recommended.
