Travellers warned of DVT threat

People planning to make long journeys this summer are being warned to remember to stretch their legs as a new study has shown the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can set-in after just an hour.

Experiments conducted by exercise scientist Steve Hunter, at London South Bank University, showed that over the period of one hour of inactivity blood velocity can decrease, leading to blood pooling in the lower legs and increasing the risk of DVT, Medical News Today reports.

Research done by Mr Hunter suggests that travellers and holidaymakers, especially those taking a flight, should stretch their legs every 15 minutes, regardless of the length of their journey.

Mr Hunter warned that it isn't just those who fly who are susceptible to the risk of DVT, stating: "It doesn't just occur in-flight, it can happen during any instance where people are sitting still for long periods.

"I would advise everybody to think about exercising every 15 minutes, even if it's just pushing up to tip toes to work the calf muscles, because this can make all the difference. Drinking lots of water is also important."

According to Bupa, around one to three people in every thousand develop DVT blood clots each year.

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