Fear of flying

In the past year, several airlines have introduced various DVT prevention measures that offer passengers a chance to get some exercise while flying. British Airways has launched Pilates in the air, Quantas now issues advice with passengers' tickets and runs an in-flight film on general health. Air Jamaica and the charter airline Air 2000 offer in-flight aerobics, whilst Emirates Airlines gives away free 'Airogyms', inflatable cushions that allow you to exercise your legs and increase circulation (£7.99, from www.airogym.com).

Symptoms for DVT include pain and swelling in the legs below the area where the clot is forming, as well as redness and warmth of the skin. It is possible, however, to have DVT without any symptoms. To prevent DVT, avoid alcohol and tobacco on long-haul flights, drink plenty of water, and get up from your seat to walk around every couple of hours, also avoid crossing your legs when seated, as this further restricts circulation. Those in a high-risk category should seek medical advice before flying.

Although air travel has recently been blamed as the main culprit of DVT, you don't have to be airborne to suffer from it. For example, you can get it from sitting at your desk too long. ‘Only five per cent of this type of DVT is connected with air travel,’ says Dr Paul Giangrande, a consultant haematologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. It seems that being immobile for long periods of time, and not flying itself, is what puts you at risk.

Other factors thought to increase the risk of blood clots include pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and the menopause drug HRT. People who have had recent surgery, or varicose veins removed are also more susceptible, as is anyone who has suffered from heart failure, cancer, obesity or blood-clotting problems.

*Visit The International Air Transport Association (IATA) website for more information on DVT.

*Check out BUPA’s website for a helpful DVT fact sheet.

*Have a look at British Airway’s website for useful travelling tips.