Airline pilots face some unique physical health challenges due to the demands of their profession. One of them is the occurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins located deep within the muscles of the body, particularly in the legs.
After rushing to prepare a flight for an on-time take off, pilots settle into the cockpit for a long period of relative inactivity. Due to the cramped quarters around the pilot's seat, legs may get the least amount of exercise during a flight.
During this time the blood flow slows down and the clotting ability of the blood rises, especially in the immobile lower legs. This can lead to blood clots in the leg, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Roughly 5 percent of air travelers develop these blood clots, including airline pilots.
These blood clots are usually small and may be dismissed as leg cramps. However, if a large enough clot makes its way out of the leg into the lung it can cause pain, fainting and even death. If it travels into the heart it can cause heart failure and stroke.
A recent medical study shows that the most common causes of sudden pilot incapacitation are arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and fainting. All of these medical conditions and symptoms may be caused by a blood clot in the lung.
One way that airline pilots can reduce the occurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis is by the use of compression stockings.
Compression stockings are long socks covering the foot and most often coming up to the knee. They are specially designed to place a gradient of pressure on the leg, tighter in the foot and ankle and becoming gradually less up to the knee.
This gradation of pressure by the compression stocking serves to massage the leg muscles and limits pooling of the blood in the leg which reduces swelling and moves blood back up to the heart. All of this helps to reduce the creation of blood clots.
Compression stockings can easily be obtained online and come in a variety of colors and sizes. To be most effective, the correct size of stocking must be worn. Charts are available that show how to measure the leg to determine the correct size.
Instructions are also available on how to put on the stockings. Correctly wearing the stockings allows them to work the best at putting pressure on the leg to prevent the blood from pooling and possibly creating clots.
The use of compression stockings on flights by airline pilots is an easy and affordable way they can significantly reduce the risk of blood clots and potentially severe associated health risks.
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