Recession generation doubling risk of developing blood clots

New data published by Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity suggests that the 'recession generation' are more than doubling their risk of developing work and computer related DVT (deep vein thrombosis) due to dangerous levels of immobility at work.

What do we already know?
· After 90 minutes of immobility, the flow of blood to your popliteal vein (behind the knee), drops by 50 per cent
· Studies show that pro-longed work and computer related immobility more than doubles the risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots
· For each hour longer spent seated the risk of developing blood clots increases by 10 per cent
· It is estimated that there are over 60,000 cases of potentially fatal blood clots in the UK each year

Mortgage first, health second
A poll by ComRes, has revealed that young professionals (21 - 30 years old) are putting themselves at increased risk due to dangerous levels of immobility in the office.

The poll, commissioned by Lifeblood, revealed that young professionals are seated, on average, for up to 3 hours at a time, which more than doubles their risk of developing a blood clot. Periods of immobility are further exacerbated by long working days and too few breaks.

As the UK falls into recession again, it seems that this 'recession generation', some 9 million office workers, are feeling the pressure to put in extra hours at work, with seemingly little consideration for their health and wellbeing. The results show the demise of the '9 'til 5' working day, with 68 per cent of respondents working up to 10 hours on a typical day; 3 in 5 working overtime; and 58 per cent working weekends.

Even at times when young office workers should be taking a short break, they choose instead to remain seated - 73 per cent of respondents admitted to taking lunch at their desk, a habit that could double their risk of developing a blood clot. After the working day is done, these excessive periods of immobility are then replicated at home with an incredible 80 per cent revealing that they spend most of their spare time seated as well.

People working in sectors such as law, banking, IT and finance recorded particularly high levels of immobility; 76 per cent admitted to eating lunch at their desk often and nearly 50 per cent fail to get up from their desk and walk around over the course of the day. Overtime was also a common feature within these business sectors, with 63 per cent often putting in extra hours, on top of their 10 hour day.

Dr Richard Beasley, director of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, said:

“People know that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. However, very few are aware of the fact that pro-longed immobility in the workplace also poses an immediate threat, more than doubling the risk of developing a potentially fatal blood clot. It is vital that this potential risk is recognised in both the office and at home. People must be educated regarding the risks associated with sitting down for long periods and offered strategies to change their work practices.”

Professor Beverley Hunt, medical director of Lifeblood, said:

“Our research has uncovered a ticking time-bomb with some 9 million office workers putting themselves at risk of a potentially fatal blood clot. The human body is designed for the 'caveman' lifestyle; active, agile and constantly mobile. Instead we have become increasingly sedentary, obstructing the body's ability to function as it should. It is imperative that we take heed of these early warning signs, and take regular breaks from your desk and computer.”

As part of their ongoing awareness-raising, Lifeblood is today launching the new iClot app. iClot tells you everything you need to know about thrombosis, with information ranging from hospital-acquired clots to compression stockings. iClot is available to download for free here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/iclot/id515844927?mt=8 and here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cranworthmedical.lifeb.