Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Venous Thrombosis (or Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a condition in which a clot (a thrombus), forms in a deep vein in a leg. The real risk happens if a part of this clot then breaks off and flows to the lungs. This condition, called a Pulmonary Embolus, can cause severe injury or death.

Although DVT is often referred to as 'Economy Class Syndrome', recent research had indicated that any situation that limits your activity for long periods - a long car drive or coach ride, for instance - may contribute to a deep vein thrombosis. For this reason, the term Traveller's Thrombosis may be more appropriate.

In this section, we look at the symptoms of DVT, who is most at risk, and the best way of avoiding DVT altogether. There's also a handy guide to some in-flight exercises.