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Decrease the dangers of DVT
LONDON, England (CNN) -- A snack or small meal and nonalcoholic beverage may decrease the risk of "economy class syndrome," or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT involves the formation of blood clots in the legs, sometimes caused by sitting in cramped conditions for long periods. A clot becomes a danger if it travels to the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack. But in a plane, food and nonalcoholic drinks improve oxygen levels in the body and increase blood volume, according to Japanese researchers. Increased blood volume helps to keep circulation going, reducing the chance that blood can collect in the legs to form clots. Eating too much before a flight may be less effective than eating just a bit, doctors say, because a big meal could divert blood flow to the digestive tract. Generally symptoms of DVT include chest pain, calf or leg pain, swelling in the lower limb, shortness of breath or surface veins becoming more visible. But often there are no symptoms at all. Professor Reginald Lord, head of the vascular group of St. Vincent's hospital in Sydney, Australia, recommends plane passengers take regular strolls up and down the cabin or at least flex feet and ankles, to maintain good circulation. "Nature sends out a lot of signals. If you have been sitting in one position that the body doesn't like, you will feel cramped. That's the body telling you to change position or get up and move about," says Lord. He advises those more at risk of developing DVT to take half an aspirin a day for 10 days prior to airline travel. Medics also recommend seeking a doctor's advice before travel and during the flight to wear special compression socks and drink lots of water. The Air Transport Association agrees passengers should move around during the flight, eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids, but limit alcohol and caffeine.
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