Pune: Medical experts in Pune have noted an increasing incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) among frequent international travelers. This condition, characterized by a blood clot obstructing the artery that supplies blood to the lungs, has been diagnosed in several patients recently.
A 42-year-old man experiencing discomfort and shortness of breath was diagnosed with PE after medical tests. Experts attribute the condition to his frequent international flights. Over the past few days, 17 PE patients have been treated at Sahyadri Hospital, forming the basis for these observations.
Dr. Kaurabhi Zhade, an interventional radiologist at the hospital, explained, “Long periods of immobility during international flights increase the risk of PE.
Flights lasting more than four hours triple the risk of blood clots. Additionally, factors such as prolonged sitting, dehydration, and low oxygen levels can elevate this risk.”
The hospital has successfully treated 17 patients using mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure involving a catheter and small devices to remove clots from the blood vessels. This method is particularly useful when there are numerous clots or when initial medical treatments are ineffective.
Research on travel-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) highlights the connection between travel duration and the risk of PE. The risk increases by 26 per cent for every additional two hours of travel beyond a four-hour journey.
The study recommends low-risk preventive measures such as wearing graduated compression stockings during air travel to prevent VTE.
The study examined patients aged 21 to 72 from various health backgrounds, revealing an increased risk among younger populations. PE is a potentially life-threatening condition and is the third leading cause of death related to heart disease, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment.
“Walking briskly every half hour during long flights, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol during air travel can help mitigate this risk,” advised Dr. Kapil Borawake, head of the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team at Sahyadri Hospital.