DVT risk is equal - whether you fly, take the train or drive down: Experts

London, July 20 (ANI): Experts are now saying that whether you decide to fly, take the train or drive down to your destination, you are equally at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT is a condition where a blood clot makes a patient susceptible to pulmonary embolism.

The British Cardiovascular Society said that those with the condition could fly, providing they drink plenty of fluids, excluding alcohol, tea or coffee, wear compression stockings and take a blood thinner.

The research was conducted after the House of Lords called for definitive specialist advice to help passengers, doctors, and airline carriers assess the risks to cardiovascular health.

During a flight, the air we breathe is has reduced oxygen content in a pressurised environment, resulting in lower circulating oxygen levels in the blood.

However, this effect "appears to have little or no adverse circulatory effects" and certainly not for short and medium-haul flights, the guidance says.

"For those with cardiovascular disease who are not critically ill, but who wish to fly on commercial aircraft, the aircraft environment does not pose a significant risk to their health.

"It is only when their under-lying condition is associated with a significant risk of acute deterioration that reasonable restrictions should apply," The Scotsman quoted Dr David Smith, a cardiologist from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, as saying.

The study is published in the journal Heart. (ANI)