When you’re sitting upright in a stationary position for a long period of time, several things can happen:
The central blood vessels in your legs can be compressed, making it more difficult for the blood to get back to your heart.
The long inactivity of your body muscle tension, back aches or feeling of excessive fatigue during, or even after, your flight.
A stationary postion inhibits the normal body mechanism for returning fluid to your heart, gravity can cause the fluid to your feet. This results in swollen feet after a long flight.
Studies have concluded that prlonged immobility may be a risk factor in the formation of clots in the legs (DVT-deep vein thrombosis).
Partcular medication and medical conditions may increase the risk of formation of clots if associated with prolonged immobility.
Medical research indicates that factors which may give you an increased risk of blood clots in the legs include:
- Increasing age above 40 years.
- Former or current malignant diseases.
- Blood Disorders leading to increased clotting tendency
- Personal or family history of DVT
- Recent major surgery or injury, especially to lower limbs or abdomen therapy, including oral contraceptive.
- Immoblisation for a day or more
- Heart Failure
- Varicose veins
- Tobacco Smoking
- If you fall into any of these categories or you have any concern about your health and flying, Air Niugini recommends you seek medical advice before you travel.
- Follow our in-flight exercises programme.