Long-haul flights could increase DVT risk by 12%: report

The risk of suffering deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is increased by sixth by taking one long-haul a year, according to research published in this week's British Medical Journal.

Researchers from Australia have also claimed that DVT is more likely to develop within two weeks of a long haul flight, however, overall risk of death is very small – just 1 in 2 million, the researchers claimed.

The conclusions were drawn from analysis of records on 5,408 patients admitted to hospitals in Australia with venous thromboembolism with data for arrivals of international flights during 1981-99.

The risk of venous thromboembolism was highest within two weeks of arrival from a long haul flight. Some 46 Australian citizens and 200 non-Australian citizens developed the condition during this so-called hazard period.

The figure for non-Australian citizens significantly exceeds the 105 expected, but this greater risk could be due to longer flights from Europe, say the authors.

A "healthy traveller" effect was observed, particularly among Australian citizens, suggesting that people who undertake international travel are more healthy and less likely to develop spontaneous blood clots than those who do not travel.

Although the average risk of venous thromboembolism is small compared with that from motor vehicle crashes and injuries at work, airlines and health authorities should continue to advise passengers on ways to minimise risk, they conclude.

(gmcg)