Since many offices revolve around computers, most office workers have adopted a lazy work habit. With everything available at our fingertips, there is less and less reason to move around the office, making it common practice to remain seated at a desk all day. This static position is not only a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, but a frontrunner for causing circulatory problems and muscle fatigue, as well as hindering mental concentration and productivity.
DVT + PE = VTE
In a recent series of studies, the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand proved that prolonged seated immobility at work is a common risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition where blood clots occur and travel through the veins. When a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs, thighs or pelvis, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When this blood clot breaks off from its original location and travels through the venous system, it can become lodged in the arteries leading from the heart to the lungs. This blockage is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism (PE).
In 1940, Prof. Keith Simpson reported that VTE was first recognized in World War II, during the London Blitz. He said the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism increased six-fold in people who sat for prolonged periods in air raid shelters. This was thought to be caused by sitting in the deck chairs in cramped conditions. In 1954, Dr. John Homans published evidence that VTE may be associated with air travel. In the decades since, this theory has become a mainstream argument and has been dubbed ‘Economy Class Syndrome.’
Study Says ‘Don’t Sit for too Long’
Prof. Richard Beasley, study leader at Wellington Hospital in New Zealand, and his team conducted a study investigating the potential role of seated immobility at work and risk of venous thromboembolism. The results showed that the maximum number of hours seated at work was significantly associated with VTE, with the risk increasing by 10 percent per hour longer seated. Similarly, the maximum time seated without getting up was also associated with VTE, with the risk increasing by 20 percent per hour longer seated.
While some experts say prolonged seated immobility is a mild risk factor for this under-recognized condition, venous thromboembolism is fast becoming a major health concern. Statistics published by The American Heart Association estimated that more than 250,000 patients are hospitalized annually with VTE. The same report stated that death occurs in about 12 percent of PE cases and about 6 percent of DVT cases within one month of diagnosis.
Red and Swollen Leg
Deep vein thrombosis is a disease that has very subtle presentation and most people diagnosed with it often think they just strained their calf muscle or experienced some discomfort or swelling in their calf. It may even come and go a bit, or it may progress without the patient even knowing it. DVT and PE may also occur over a period of days or weeks and since they can be so subtle, it can be difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis.
The best way to avoid getting a blood clot is to stay mobile. Get back in the habit of taking breaks at work. Get up more often, go for a walk.
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