Cardiologist warns of health risks associated with air travel
What are the health risks of air travel (photo: Freepik)
Air travel is often associated with vacations. However, during these long journeys, there is a risk of pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening, according to the Ukrainian cardiologist Natalia Ivaniuk.
The dangers of long flights
Airplanes have become a part of daily life, allowing people to cover hundreds of kilometers between countries to see friends and family. While air travel is convenient and accessible, it carries certain health risks.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur during long flights, especially transatlantic ones, where passengers may sit still for hours. According to the doctor, when a person sits for an extended period without the ability to get up and move, blood can pool in the veins of the legs, potentially leading to the formation of clots. It's important to note that veins do not contract like arteries.
Blood flows back to the heart more effectively and quickly when the calf muscles contract during movement and walking. Therefore, during flights, the cardiologist recommends:
- Regularly getting up and moving around, at least once an hour.
- Drinking enough water.
- Using compression stockings if needed during the flight.
Tips to prevent swollen legs
The causes of swelling after flying are related to prolonged immobility. This leads to impaired venous blood flow and symptoms such as:
- Swelling of soft tissues.
- Pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs due to blood pooling in the calf muscles.
- Cramps that often occur in the calf area.
A fatal outcome can be linked to the detachment of a clot from the venous system of the lower limbs.
For a long time, it was believed that flights in spacious business class were safer than in economy class. However, the arrangement of seats in the aircraft cabin does not impact the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.
The main cause of venous stasis is not tightness but the need to remain in one position. To prevent swollen legs, it is essential to move more and periodically walk around the cabin.
Wearing compression garments is an effective way to protect against the negative consequences of varicose veins and thrombosis during air travel. The effect of using compression garments is due to mechanical pressure on the venous system's elements. As a result, blood flow in the venous system accelerates, and blood drainage from the veins improves.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
