United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
New study finds no link between cabin pressure and DVT
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
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel