Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Venous Thrombosis (or Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a condition in which a clot (a thrombus), forms in a deep vein in a leg. The real risks occur if a part of this clot breaks off and flows to the lungs. This condition, called a Pulmonary Embolus, can cause severe injury or death.

Although DVT is often referred to as 'Economy Class Syndrome', recent research, however, indicates that ANY situation that limits your activity for long periods - a long car drive or coach ride, for example - may contribute to a clot. For this reason, the term Traveller's Thrombosis may be more appropriate.

In this section, we look at the symptoms of DVT, and the best way of avoiding DVT altogether.