Is sitting on an airplane a greater risk of deep vein thrombosis vs arterial thrombosis?

Yes, sitting on an airplane is a greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than arterial thrombosis. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the large veins, usually in the legs. While flying, passengers are at increased risk for developing DVT due to prolonged periods of immobility, low cabin pressure and decreased oxygen levels compared to ground-level air. This can lead to reduced circulation in the legs which can cause a blood clot that may travel further up into your body such as your lungs and cause pulmonary embolism (PE). Additionally, dehydration from dry airplanes or alcohol consumption during flights increases risk factors for DVT.

On the other hand, arterial thrombosis (AT) is when clots form inside arteries reducing or preventing the flow of vital oxygenated blood to parts of the body like heart muscles and brain cells. ATs don’t occur as frequently on airplanes as much because there isn’t enough time for people to develop long term conditions associated with it such hypertension or diabetes which are most likely causes of this kind of clot formation. Thus sitting on an airplane carries greater risks for development of DVTs than ATs.