Can I get a blood clot from sitting at my computer?

Nov 7, 2012 | Vascular Health, Your Health

Guest blog post by George J. Todd, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West

Question: A young co-worker of mine (age 28) developed difficulty breathing and pain in his chest. He went to the emergency department and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus, a blockage of an artery of his lung, that likely started due to a blood clot in his leg. The doctors told him it was from sitting at his computer for many hours. Is this possible?

Answer: Yes. Prolonged sitting without getting up to move around can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep in the body. DVT typically affects large veins in the thigh and leg but can present in other parts of the body. Once a clot forms in a vein, it can travel to the heart and lungs–forming a pulmonary embolus (PE)–which can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and even death.

Many people are now aware that DVT can result from prolonged sitting on an airplane (sometimes called “Coach Class Syndrome”) or from being immobile in bed (after surgery, for example). Most people are also aware that obesity, taking oral contraceptives, and some hereditary disorders (such a Factor V Leiden mutation, for example) can predispose a person to DVT and PE.

It may be a surprise to some however, to learn that DVT and PE have also been described in people who have sat for many hours working at a computer. There was even a story reported in several news outlets about a 20-year-old British man who reportedly died of a PE after sitting and playing on his Xbox for many hours without taking a break.

Prolonged sitting can lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs. Once clots form, they can travel to the lungs and cause PE. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 900,000 people may be affected by DVT/PE each year, resulting in between 60,000 to 100,000 deaths. Other studies estimate a much higher figure for both DVT and PE.

The bottom line: It is very important when flying or sitting at a desk, to get up and walk around at least every 60 to 90 minutes. It is also important to wear loose fitting clothing if you will be seated for prolonged periods and to maintain good hydration by drinking water. 

Read more from Mount Sinai about Your Health

What are Blood Clots and are they Dangerous?

Oct 10, 2012 | Vascular Health

Guest blog post by Gary Gwertzman, MD, FACS, RPVI.

Blood needs to flow everywhere in the body. However, blood flow needs to be controlled, or blood could end up in an undesirable place. . .like the sidewalk! Therefore, blood flow is a “balancing act”—the body tries to keep blood moving on the “inside”, but forms barriers to keep it from flowing to the outside. These barriers are called  blood clots.

This balance act is not perfect. Some people cannot make blood clots and can bleed heavily. Other people make internal clots when blood should be flowing freely. These internal clots can cause major problems. For example, a clot can stop the flow of blood into an organ. If that organ happens to be the eye, a clot can lead to blindness. If the clot is in the brain, it can lead to stroke.

Blood clots can form in veins too, and stop blood from returning to the heart. When a vein clot forms, the area behind it becomes swollen and painful. If the vein clot should break off and travel downstream to the lung, it is an emergency called “pulmonary embolus.”

The best way to keep blood flowing is to. . .keep blood flowing. When blood stops moving, it tends to form clot. This can happen if the heartbeat becomes irregular (i.e., atrial fibrillation). Blood can stop flowing and form a clot when someone stops moving around (i.e., during a long airplane ride or a long surgery). Unfortunately, some people make clots despite having no obvious risks.

Treatments for clotting might include commonly prescribed medications (aspirin, Plavix, heparin, Coumadin). Other powerful medications actually dissolve clots directly. All medications need to be monitored by a physician.

If you develop a sharp pain or swelling for no obvious reason, a blood clot could be responsible. You should see a physician as soon as possible for further testing and treatment.

Gary Gwertzman, MD, FACS, RPVI, is the Director of Vascular Surgery at Beth Israel Brooklyn.