Thrombosis risk doubles on trips lasting longer than four hours
Risk remains the same regardless of the mode of transport used |
The risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) doubles after trips lasting four hours or more, according to the World Health Organization.
If passengers are seated and immobile, the increased risk is present
regardless of whether they are travelling by aeroplane, train, bus or
car. However, the absolute risk is still relatively low at one in 6,000,
says the WHO in a report of its research into global hazards of travel
project, published last month.
The report
of phase 1 of the study says that people taking multiple flights
over a short period are also at increased danger because the risk of
VTE remains elevated for about four weeks after flying. A number of other
risk factors were identified, including obesity, being taller than 1.9
metres or shorter than 1.6 metres, taking oral contraceptives and inherited
blood disorders leading to increased clotting tendency.
There is a need for travellers to be given appropriate information regarding
the risk of VTE by medical professionals, transport authorities and airlines,
the report concludes. Phase 2 of the study will focus on identifying
effective preventive measures against VTE.
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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