Air passengers are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after just two or three hours in the air, according to new figures.
Italian scientists studied more than 500 passengers flying between Stansted airport and several Italian destinations, and say their results challenge the traditionally-held view that DVT only occurs on long-haul flights. They also say those travelling in business- and first-class cabins are not without risk.
The scientists found that 4.3 per cent of high-risk passengers – pregnant women, those on the pill and HRT, people who have had recent surgery and those who drink alcohol – developed blood clots after their flights.
According to The Independent, Professor Gianni Belcaro, who conducted the study, said: “The results show that passengers are at risk of developing blood clots even on short flights. In fact our research suggests most blood clots develop in the first two or three hours of a journey and become larger and more dangerous with time.”
He added: “The problem can be worse if travellers are then transferring straight into a car or coach for a long journey, or if they wait for hours in airports.”
