Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Long air travel especially in economy class of civilian aircraft causes only one complication to our venous system. It has been given a name " economy class syndrome" that is XXXXXXX venous thrombosis in legs- which are kept in crammed condition due to constraints of space plus dehydration due to air conditioned atmosphere. This may further lead to embolus to lung causing Pulmonary Thrombo-embolism. You will be pleased to learn this was not the case with you. What you had was swelling of ankles which disappeared. Therefore, there might have been temporary stasis of blood in your legs due to immobile condition for long.

Vein prominence on forehead had nothing to do with air travel and fortunately it does not lead us to any disease. Therefore, you had cause for some concern but nothing to worry. Yes, one lesson, one must learn from y our history is while in long haul flight, keep yourself well hydrated (with water and liquids but certainly not alcohol). Secondly, one should not keep legs immobile for too long. One trip in the aisle on your feet from one end of plane to the other, every three hours should do the trick. To be truthful, I really do not know what is causing prominence of vein on forehead.

I hope I have answered your question if you have any follow up query I will be pleased to take that.

Best Wishes

Dr Anil Grover
Cardiologist

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