Medical Expert Issues Crucial Warning to Airline Passengers
A leading medical professional has issued an urgent health warning to anyone planning to travel by air, highlighting a specific leg position that dramatically increases the risk of developing dangerous blood clots during flights. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has taken to social media to explain the physiological dangers that many passengers unknowingly create through common seating habits.
The Hidden Danger of Crossing Your Legs
Dr Chandrasekaran, who shares medical advice under the TikTok handle @neenziemd, identifies leg crossing as "the worst position" for passengers to adopt during flights. She explains the mechanism behind this increased risk in clear terms: "If your legs are crossed, that allows for more blood to pool with your veins being pressed against each other." This compression restricts proper blood circulation at a time when the body is already under physiological stress from cabin conditions.
Most travellers are familiar with the cramped legroom typical of economy class seating, but few recognise that their chosen sitting position could have serious health implications. The doctor emphasises that this common habit creates a significant hazard that passengers should consciously avoid throughout their journey.
Understanding the Atmospheric Pressure Effect
The specialist provides crucial scientific context about how flying affects our bodies differently from ground-based activities. "The barometric pressure in the air is a lot higher and different than what's normal on the ground," she explains, noting that this elevated pressure induces an inflammatory state within our systems that can promote clot formation, particularly in the lower extremities.
While she acknowledges that long road trips can present similar risks, the combination of reduced mobility and altered atmospheric conditions makes air travel particularly problematic for circulatory health. The body responds to these pressure changes in ways that many passengers don't anticipate when settling into their seats.
Practical Prevention Strategies for Travellers
Dr Chandrasekaran offers several practical recommendations for minimising blood clot risk during flights:
- Regular movement: "Take walks. Make sure that you are moving around that blood flow." She suggests walking in aisles and performing discreet exercises while seated
- Compression stockings: These specially designed garments can help maintain proper circulation throughout the journey
- Avoid prolonged stillness: "Do not stay in one place" for extended periods during the flight
The Power Nap Strategy for Long-Haul Travel
For passengers attempting to sleep during flights, medical professionals from Harvard Health recommend strategic "power naps" rather than extended sleep periods. These brief rests of appropriate duration "can effectively increase your level of alertness and focus" without triggering sleep inertia - that groggy, disoriented feeling that occurs when awakening from deep sleep.
The experts explain that entering deeper sleep stages (typically around 30 minutes after falling asleep) can lead to sleep inertia that may require 30 to 60 minutes to fully overcome. Power naps allow both body and mind to rest without progressing into these deeper sleep phases that cause post-nap sluggishness.
By combining proper seating positions, regular movement, appropriate compression wear, and strategic rest, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of developing flight-related blood clots while arriving at their destinations feeling more refreshed and alert.
