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Prolonged Sitting Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis
New research from New Zealand's Medical Research Institute is exploring the link between prolonged periods of sitting - for example, at work and venous thromboembolism (VTE), blood clots in the veins that break off and travel through the blood. Prolonged sitting is an important risk factor for developing VTE, through a similar mechanism to that responsible for "travelers thrombosis." Spending a long time in cramped conditions causes reduced blood flow in the legs, which increases the chance for blood clots to form in the deep veins (called deep vein thrombosis, DVT.) A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks off and travels through the blood to lodge in the lung. This research has coined a new term for VTE due to prolonged seated immobility, called SIT, Seated Immobility Thromboembolism syndrome. This syndrome is identified as a "21st century lifestyle hazard."
Several cases have demonstrated that people who sit for prolonged periods in relation to their work and/or recreation may be at risk of developing VTE. A more in-depth study found only a minority of 62 patients under the age of 65 presenting to the New Zealand Medical Research Institute with blood clots had recently traveled on a long-distance flight. Clearly other factors were in effect. One third of these patients had desk jobs that kept them seated for long periods. The findings highlight the relationship between VTE and sedentary office workers. However, further research will clarify other extenuating factors.
DVT can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and discolouration in the affected part of the leg. The collection of blood may make skin feel warm to the touch. However, in many cases, DVT has few if any obvious symptoms. The age of the study patients is significant, as the likelihood of a young adult without underlying risk factors developing a DVT or VTE is generally very low. This underscores the importance of prolonged immobility as a provoking factor in these subjects. The SIT syndrome classification is used to encompass all forms of seated immobility that are associated with VTE, including work/recreation activities or long-distance travel.
To reduce your risk of VTE due to prolonged sitting at work, make sure you get up from your desk every 15-30 minutes. Blood flow through the veins in your legs depends on contraction of your muscles, to push the blood against gravity back toward your heart. If you are unable to stand, work out your leg muscles while seated by pushing your toes and heels against the floor, or rolling your ankles in slow circles. This will ensure blood flow is not stalling in your legs, thereby decreasing the chances of a clot forming.
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