2007-02-09 22:49:48 · 5 answers · asked by Shaheeda 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Sitting for a long time without walking around causes fluids to settle at the lower end of the legs and feet causing sweeling. This is especially true for those whose calf muscles are not pumping properly, which could be due to loss of elasticity of muscle fibers and damage to blood vessels. Getting up and moving around on long haul flights is thus very important. Another risk is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) caused by a blood clot forming due to this inactivity, which may subsequently travel to heart or brain causing a heart attack and a stroke respectively.
Not only on a plane, prolonged sitting in a chair could also cause a similar problem. Special pumping devices are available to prevent such incidents.
2007-02-10 02:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sitting without getting up periodically to move around causes swelling in the feet and legs, and can actually cause permanent damage if one sits for long enough.
2007-02-09 23:11:55 · answer #2 · answered by H. Scot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The aircraft is pressurized so you do not pass out at the high altitude. It also pressurizes you forcing your blood to your feet.
2007-02-09 23:03:18 · answer #3 · answered by bill a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't move around enough, the muscles aren't helping pump it so it pools due to gravity.
2007-02-09 22:58:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Comes of all that fast pedalling, I guess.
2007-02-09 22:54:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋