Researchers find no evidence for ‘economy class syndrome’

Northbrook, IL – New guidelines dispel the myth that flying in economy class increases a traveler’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot in a deep vein.

The American College of Chest Physicians stated it found no evidence – based on an extensive research review – that tied sitting in economy class to DVT, indicating that the nickname “economy class syndrome” is incorrect.

Rather, long-distance travel is associated with blood clots because it involves lengthy periods of limited mobility, the guidelines said. Other risk factors include use of oral contraceptives, sitting in a window seat on an airplane, advanced age and pregnancy.

The guidelines were published in the February issue of the journal CHEST.