A 70-year-old Russian woman suffered a stroke after a long-distance air trip to Shanghai. The reason for the stroke was vein thrombosis caused by economy class syndrome.

After a 10-hour-plus flight to Shanghai to visit her daughter, the elderly woman felt difficulty in speaking and was unable to control her right leg and arm when she arrived at the home of her daughter, who immediately called an ambulance and rushed her to Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital.

Doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke and removed the thrombus through a 30-minute emergency surgery.

The patient recovered quickly and was discharged for further rehabilitation. She has since returned to her home country.

Doctors asked the woman about her health condition and were told that she has atrial fibrillation. Her doctor in Russia had suggested she take anticoagulant to prevent thrombosis but the woman failed to follow those instructions. The long-distance flight caused a buildup of blood in her lower limbs, which finally led to the stroke.

The woman is a typical case of economy class syndrome, which is also called sitting thrombosis. It indicates the long periods of sitting that can promote thrombosis, for example when travelling by plane, bus, train or car, but also at work for people who mainly slog in a seated position.

Doctors from International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital said they have also received a pregnant Malaysian woman suffering economy class syndrome after a flight.

People with cardiovascular issues, obesity, those who have had surgery or have been bedridden or have a leg injury, women who are pregnant or postpartum or taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy, and the elderly are more at risk of economy class syndrome.

"I also have some patients, who have just undergone bone surgery and have to fly back to their home country or home town. They are also at risk of economy class syndrome," said Dr Shao Minghao from Huashan Hospital's orthopedics department.

While Shanghai is promoting international medical tourism, it is very necessary to promote understanding about economy class syndrome prevention and control, he added.

The onset of economy class syndrome can be very sudden. The most common symptom is shortness of breath but there are other signs to look for in the calf area such as muscle pain, tenderness, swelling and redness. It is very important to raise awareness on economy class syndrome prevention and control.

Before the trip

Avoid alcohol the day before the trip.

Consult your doctor if you have certain highly risk factors.

During the trip

Choose loose, comfortable clothes.

Do not cross your legs while sitting.

Drink plenty of liquids – water is the best.

Avoid alcohol while travelling.

Take regular movement breaks and stretch your body.

Do some vein therapy gymnastics like ankle pump by moving the feet up and down while sitting.

Wear travel stockings or medical compression stockings.

After the trip

Visit a doctor in time if feeling sick or having symptoms.