e-Thrombosis is the threat of modern day lifestyle and way of life. Sitting down all day behind a desk and/or computer can result in a life threatening embolism caused by the formation of a DVT. Large blood clots can develop when the blood flow in a vein is restricted or moves too slowly. The blood starts to become thick and sticky and can form a clot, which if a part breaks loose can become lodged in the lungs, heart or brain causing an embolism. People who are overweight, who smoke or who have a heart or blood disease are at increased risk. Are you at risk?

Research published in The European Respiratory Journal reports that a young man in New Zealand nearly died after developing a DVT following extended periods of PC use. He developed a large blood clot that formed in his leg veins, broke off and moved to his lungs - a pulmonary embolism. The team involved in the research found no obvious risk factors for the clot, except that the man would regularly work for 12 hours a day at his computer, without standing up for long periods. This new phenomena is being referred to as “e-Thrombosis” and can affect anyone who spends long hours sitting behind a desk or in front of a computer.

Dr Richard Beasley of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, has warned that the widespread use of computers in so many aspects of modern life may put many people at risk of developing DVT. Dr Beasely suggests “And it would seem commonsense that if you use a computer for a long period of time, you should move your feet under the terminal or get up regularly to walk around.”