Home Economy Class Syndrome : Facts About ECS (Economy Class Syndrome)

Facts About ECS (Economy Class Syndrome)

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Facts About Economy Class Syndrome (ECS) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

"Economy Class Syndrome" (ECS) is the term associated with a serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Crowded, cramped conditions and limited physical activity during extended air travel may increase the risks for DVT.
ECS got its name from the inactivity associated with air travel, particularly in cramped coach seating.
During prolonged periods of inactivity, the effects of gravity make it difficult for the blood in the veins of the legs to return to the heart. Activity of the calf muscles is needed to contract and pump blood up the legs. Without this activity, blood can pool in the legs, causing swelling and discomfort and may develop into a blood clot in a deep vein – deep vein thrombosis.
When normal activity resumes, the blood clot can break off and form an embolism that can pass to the heart or lungs, obstruct the pulmonary arteries, and lead to death.
Development of thrombi during extended air travel has been documented throughout the past 40 years. Air travelers, including Richard Nixon in 1972, have experienced the effects of these conditions after flying.
Although DVT can strike individuals who are in good health with relatively little warning, there are people who are at greater risk for developing the condition. Obesity, pregnancy, chronic heart disease, use of hormone medications, malignancies, history of blood clots, varicose veins, and recent trauma or surgery may increase a person's risk for DVT. 1 Travelers should ask a physician if they are predisposed to any risk factors for DVT.
DVT is not only associated with long flights. This condition may also be linked with activities or occupations that involve long periods of passive sitting.1
To reduce the risk for DVT while traveling, physicians recommend wearing gradient compression hosiery to improve blood circulation in the legs in conjunction with foot/ankle exercises and walking.
Jobst is the number one physician-recommended brand of gradient compression hosiery in the United States.

1) DVT 'hits all travel.' The Mirror, United Kingdom, March 14, 2001

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Support Hose Store™
Certified Fitting Center
Authorized Jobst, Mediven, Juzo and Sigvaris Distributor
Located in Amarillo, Texas
1-800-515-4271

Support Hose Store™, an authorized distributor of Jobst, Mediven, Juzo and Sigvaris support hosiery, is located in Amarillo, Texas. We sell Jobst, Medi and Sigvaris compression socks and support hosiery, at retail and wholesale prices. When you call to place an order for any of our support stockings, you will speak to a Support Hose Store™ Certified Fitter and not a receptionist taking an order. Support Hose Store™ carries Jobst, Medi and Sigvaris support stockings, compression hose, compression stockings, diabetic socks, maternity hose and travel socks all at great savings. Large full and extra large full calves are now available in the 20-30mmHg and 30-40 mmHg compression stockings. If you need more information on our Jobst, Mediven and Sigvaris support hosiery please call us toll-free at 1-800-515-4271 to speak to one of our Certified Fitters. We are vascular compression garment specialist.