Deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs
Prolonged sitting position has a negative effect on our blood vessels, as it impedes the flow of blood. Since 1946, this disease has been known as “economy class syndrome”, because it often occurs in people who spend many hours sitting during long-haul flights. However, scientists also link this disease with prolonged sitting posture in situations not associated with air travel, e.g. at the office. Deep vein thrombosisis caused by impeded return of blood from lower limbs to the heart through venous vessels. This stagnant blood flow to the upper parts of the body increases viscosity and coagulability of the blood and may lead to the formation of a blood clot. If a clot breaks off and travels to the pulmonary aorta, it may cause a potentially fatal condition.
Deep vein thrombosis often remains clinically undetectable, but most often it is accompanied by quite distinct symptoms such as: - a feeling of heaviness in lower limbs
- oedema of lower limbs (in the area of tarsal joints and lower legs)
- pain in lower limbs
- a slightly raised temperature of lower legs, thighs or the entire body
- tachycardia (increased cardiac rhythm)
The prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs includes:
- avoiding prolonged sitting and immobility
- taking frequent breaks for walks (at least for 1 minute every hour)
- activating the muscular pump of lower limbs (doing simple exercises such as flexing and straightening your legs in tarsal joints)
- if possible, elevation of lower limbs (it will significantly improve the flow of blood from the lower parts of the body)
- wearing special stockings (specially designed to facilitates the blood flow, with strong compression in the areas of tarsal joints, which is gradually decreasing upwards)
- maintaining a proper body weight
- drinking a lot of mineral water (it allows to decrease blood density)
Deep vein thrombosis is a quite common disease, most often caused by sitting for most of the day in means of transport or at work. The risk is increased by age, obesity, varicose veins, and other diseases of veins. There are also a number of alarming scientific reports that link a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis with long-term use of hormonal contraception in women.
Written for the help service www.zdrowebiuro.pl
Grzegorz Orlof from the help service www.aktywnaprzerwa.pl | 
