Heart & Vascular Institute

Economy Class Syndrome

This syndrome refers to a noted tendency for airline passengers, particularly those seated in economy class, to develop blood clots. Remaining seated in close quarters for long periods of time encourages the blood to pool and clot in the veins of the lower extremities. This is also the case during long car trips.

To prevent blood pooling, plan on stretching your legs at regular intervals during flights or lengthy driving tours. Flexing your ankles frequently will encourage the return flow of blood from the lower extremities back to the heart. Adequate fluid intake during trips will prevent dehydration that can encourage the tendency of the blood to clot. Those patients with a history of blood clots should seek medical advice regarding the use of elastic stockings that discourage blood stasis or pooling.

Peripheral vascular disease refers to problems that occur within the vessels of the circulatory system outside that of the heart. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) includes both peripheral arterial disease and peripheral venous disorders. Plaque formation within the peripheral arterial system impairs blood flow that can lead to clot formation or compromise in the delivery of oxygen-enriched blood to the organs and tissues. Peripheral arterial disease can involve the arteries of the lower extremities or legs resulting in pain related to the oxygen deprivation within the tissues.

Disease of the peripheral venous system creates impairment in the return of blood circulation to the heart and lungs. Slow venous return flow and its changes in pressure within the circulatory system can lead to clot formation. This creates pain and swelling in the surrounding area. Deep vein thrombosis refers to the formation of a large clot that significantly disrupts return blood flow and results in tissue congestion in the region. The most significant danger posed by deep vein thrombosis involves the possibility that the clot will break off and travel to the lungs. This represents a life-threatening emergency and is called a pulmonary embolism.