Travel may be dangerous to your health-Harvard Study

[Nigelinoz]

Warning: travel may be dangerous to your health-08 July, 2009

Warning: travel may be dangerous to your health Harvard University researchers found that those who travel are three times more likely to develop life-threatening VTE, which are blood clots in a vein, usually found in the legs.

"Our findings demonstrate for the first time a clear association between travel and VTE," the researchers said in their report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

VTE can be fatal if the blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms of the condition include swelling, pain and redness in the leg, or legs.

The study found the threat of developing VTE is not limited to air travel.

The researchers also show a measurable increase in the condition for every two hours sitting in a car. The research shows the longer the trip, the greater the threat of VTE.

What's the difference between VTE and DVT?

 

[munitalP]

Warning: travel may be dangerous to your health-08 July, 2009

What's the difference between VTE and DVT?

Im not sure, but they have got my interest, Harvard don't normally go off half coughed so I do take their comments serious - I intend to investigate further...

Mr!

:!:

 

[oz_mark]

My understanding is that DVT (Deep Vein Throbmosis) is a type of VTE (Venous thromboembolism), but maybe the medicos on the board can provide an answer

(Pulmonary Embolism being another type of VTE)

 

[Nigelinoz]

I found a link to the report.
Travel and Risk for Venous Thromboembolism -- Chandra et al., -- Annals of Internal Medicine

 

[yo yo ma]

My understanding is that DVT (Deep Vein Throbmosis) is a type of VTE (Venous thromboembolism), but maybe the medicos on the board can provide an answer

(Pulmonary Embolism being another type of VTE)

This is correct...
Venous thromboembolism is any thromboembolic event occurring within the venous system, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Clinical Evidence: A Publication of BMJ Publishing Group - August 1, 2002 - American Family Physician




Risk factors for DVT includes:

• Family history of VTE
• Previous history of VTE
• Extended periods of lying of sitting
• Overweight
• Age over 40
• Recent surgery
• Pregnancy
• Major illness (eg cancer)
• Major trauma (particularly orthopaedic or burns)

A good summary located on this website:
Deep vein thrombosis - Better Health Channel.

 

[JohnK]

The study suggests the situation is serious enough for more research to be carried out into how to keep travelers healthy, but not serious enough to justify giving airline passengers anti-clotting drugs.

As someone who has been suffering from (chronic) venous deficiency for many years perhaps it is time to have another chat to my GP.

 

[yo yo ma]

As someone who has been suffering from (chronic) venous deficiency for many years perhaps it is time to have another chat to my GP.

Good idea mate... and don't forget to keep up the leg / ankle exercises to prevent blood pooling in your legs.