There has been lots of speculation in the news that flying in relatively cramped conditions on planes combined with inactivity may increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.

Circulation in the legs relies greatly on the calf muscles acting as a pump. Each time the foot is moved up and down the calf muscle contracts, and so massages the deep veins in the leg, squeezing the blood back towards the heart.

At rest the blood is still in circulation but more slowly. In situations where the blood flow is more sluggish, its oxygen supply is diminshed causing it to be more sticky, which can result in blood clots forming.

If the clots, or emboli, reach the heart and lungs they can block the normal flow of blood through the organs, this can lead to breathlessness and can in extreme cases be fatal.

Symptoms include:

• pain in the calf
• breathlessness

Reducing the risk:

• get up and walk around frequently
• avoid excess alcohol
• keep hydrated – drink plenty of water
• do not take sleeping tablets
• do lower limb exercises
• wear loose clothing
• wear support tights correctly

At risk:

smokers / pregnant women / women taking the contraceptive pill / those with poor circulation

Exercises

• Clenching buttocks – hold for two seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Lift leg off the ground, move ankle up and down, stretching as far as possible in each direction
• with feet flat on the floor, lift heels up and down
• get up, walk to the end of the aisle, rise up onto the toes 10 times.