Pre-existing illness
 
We suggest you ask for medical advice before travelling, in case you suffer from:
 
l cardiovascular disorders
l chronic respiratory disease
l malignant ailment
l unstable diabetes
l other chronic diseases
 
You should also consult your doctor in case you have recently been in a hospital or in case you are pregnant.
 
 
 
Immobility and "deep vein thrombosis" (DVT)
 
Prolonged immobility on long flights restricts the flow of blood to the heart. This causes accumulation of blood in the lower legs and in rare cases may lead to development of blood clots on the wall of the vein, especially to people that have predisposing conditions. This is called "deep vein thrombosis" and usually it is not a dangerous situation.
 
In very rare cases, when there is an extensive clot in the leg, small pieces of clot may detach and be carried in the bloodstream to another part of the body where the clot can block the flow of blood to a critical organ and cause an embolism (heart, lung, brain).
 
 
 
The risk of developing DVT is very small; however you should consult your doctor before travelling, if you:
 
l have already suffered from thrombosis or any kind of embolism
l have a hereditary blood coagulation disorder
l have varicose veins
l have a malignant ailment
l are more than 60 years old
l are overweight
l are pregnant
l smoke
l have recently had surgery
l use hormone therapy
 
 
 
DVT is also called "economy-class syndrome", although it does not distinguish classes and can occur so in economy as in business class. It is related to the prolonged immobility and to the low air pressure and low air humidity in the cabin.
 
 
 
To avoid DVT you should:
 
l drink lots of water
l avoid alcohol and caffeine
l avoid crossing legs while seated
l flex and stretch your legs and your arms in every 30 minutes
l take short walks in the plane
l wear loose, comfortable clothes
l wear compression stockings, especially if you have circulatory problems
l avoid taking sleeping pills

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