JLPC Article - Flying Fit

  There has been a lot of speculation that the cramped conditions of aeroplanes   and inactivity during long flights may increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.

  Circulation in the legs relies greatly on the calf muscles acting as a pump. Each   time the foot is moved up and down the calf muscle contracts, thereby massaging   the deep veins in the leg, squeezing the blood upwards towards the head.

  At rest the blood is still in circulation but more slowly. In situations where the   blood flow is more sluggish, its oxygen supply is diminished causing it to be   more sticky, which can result in blood clots forming.

  If the clots, or emboli, reach the heart and lungs they can block the normal flow of   blood through the organs, this can lead to breathlessness and in extreme cases,   to death.
Symptoms
  • Pain in the Calf
  • Breathlessness
Reducing Risk
  • Get up and walk around every two hours
  • Avoid excess alcohol
  • Drink a lot of water
  • Do not take sleeping tablets
  • Do some lower limb exercises
  • Wear loose clothing
  • Wear support tights

 

 

 

 

 

 
Who is at risk?
  • Smokers
  • Pregnant women
  • Women taking the contraceptive pill
  • Those with poor circulation
Exercises
  • Clenching buttocks - hold for two seconds. Repeat 10 times
  • Lift leg off the ground, move ankle up and down, stretching as far as possible in each direction.
  • With feet flat on the floor, lift heel up and down.
  • Get up, walk to the end of aisle. Rise up onto the toes 10 times.
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