Research into the causes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has found there is no direct link with low cabin pressure.
Professors at Leicester and Aberdeen Universities spent two years investigating the hypothesis that decreased cabin pressure at altitude increases the risk for blood clots.
They studied 73 healthy volunteers who spent eight hours seated in a hypobaria chamber and were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia, similar to the conditions of reduced cabin pressure on a long-haul flight.
The same volunteers then spent eight hours seated in a controlled environment, equivalent to atmospheric conditions at ground level.
Blood was drawn before and after each exposure to assess factors that cause blood clotting.
The results, published in today’s issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Association, found there was no significant difference between the two environments.
“Although we found no evidence that the low pressure and low oxygen activate blood clotting, we know from many other studies that prolonged sitting, such as during long journeys by air, road or rail, does increase the risk of DVT. That link is quite clearly established,” said Dr William Toff from Leicester University.
“The overall risk of thrombosis after a long-haul flight is estimated to be about 1 in 2,000. For people with known risk factors, the risk may be higher but for those without other risk factors it is likely to be very low and should be kept in perspective.”
By Bev Fearis
