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New research has found that cabin pressure and lower levels of oxygen could raise a person's susceptibility to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long haul flights.

Scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands compared people sitting for extended lengths of time.

In aircraft, as compared with cinemas, there were greater concentrations in the blood of chemical markers that could lead to the build up of clots, or coagulation.

Research leader Professor Frits Rosendaal said: "Activation of coagulation occurs in some individuals after an eight hour flight, indicating an additional mechanism to immobilisation underlying air travel related thrombosis."

However, the exact cause of DVT is still unknown and for healthy middle-aged travellers the condition only occurs once in every 40,000 flights.

Government advice to reduce the risk of DVT includes to avoid sleeping pills and alcohol and drink a reasonable amount of water.

Travellers should also try get comfortable in their seats, recline as much as possible and wear loose-fitting clothes.

It is also important to try and exercise during the journey.

Bend and straighten your legs, do upper body and breathing exercises to further improve circulation, press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor and bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated roughly every 30 minutes.

You should also try to get up and walk.


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