Deep-vein thrombosis — or plain old blood clots to most of us — are often associated with fliers in cramped economy-class seats. But a new study of business class travelers shows that DVT occurs in those who fly business and first class; people who fly four hours or more have three times the risk of developing blood clots compared to periods when they did not travel.
The study, as reported by the New York Times, found that the risk of blood clots increases with the duration of a flight and the number of flights in a short period. Furthermore, “obesity, a person’s stature, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy and inherited blood clotting disorders also increase risk.”
Among other preventative measures, walking around mid-flight and in-seat exercises diminish the risk significantly.
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