Stay up late and sit for a long time playing mahjong during the Chinese New Year, but be careful of economy class syndrome! Famous doctor reveals: 5 tips to stay away from threats

The Chinese New Year is a happy time for family and friends to reunite. Many people choose to sit around the card table and play mahjong. Chen Weilong, an internal medicine and weight loss specialist, shared a case in which a 40-year-old male patient sat for a long time playing cards and did not leave the card table for 24 hours. He suddenly lost consciousness and was rushed to the emergency room. After examination, he was diagnosed with lower limb venous thrombosis combined with pulmonary embolism, commonly known as "economy class syndrome."

Dr. Chen Weilong pointed out that this 40-year-old male patient, whom he met during emergency service in the past, was "stuck" to the card table all day during the Chinese New Year, hardly getting up to move around or drink water, and would not stop until he won a few hands. The patient has a history of hypertension, is 175 cm tall, weighs 95 kg, and has a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, which puts him in the moderately obese group, greatly increasing his risk of developing the disease.

Dr. Chen Weilong analyzed that the patient's condition was not accidental, but the result of the combined action of multiple risk factors. Obesity leads to an increase in adipose tissue, which in turn causes chronic inflammation of blood vessels, reduces blood fluidity and increases viscosity. Coupled with various factors, sitting for a long time can easily lead to blood clots in the deep veins of the lower limbs. Once the blood clots break off and flow to the pulmonary artery with the blood, they may cause fatal pulmonary embolism, leading to chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and even sudden death.

5 tips to avoid the threat of economy class syndrome

Deep vein thrombosis first appeared in passengers traveling in economy class on airplanes and was given the name "economy class syndrome." In order to avoid health problems caused by prolonged sitting, Dr. Chen Weilong recommends that you pay attention to the following five points during the Chinese New Year:

1. Get up and move around every hour: Stand up and walk around regularly to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs.

2. Maintain hydration: Avoid focusing on playing cards and forgetting to drink water. Adequate water can help reduce blood viscosity and reduce blood clot formation.

3. Pay attention to your sitting posture and comfort: avoid crossing your legs, keep your knees at 90 degrees to the ground, and adjust your posture regularly.

4. Avoid excessive mood swings: control your emotions and reduce the impact of stress on your cardiovascular system.

5. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Overeating should also be avoided during the Chinese New Year.

Dr. Chen Wei-long reminds the public that by exercising moderately and paying attention to diet and lifestyle during the Chinese New Year, they can have fun while protecting their health. (Photo provided by Hatsuhi Clinic)

"Although pulmonary embolism is dangerous, the risk can be greatly reduced through simple preventive measures." Dr. Chen Weilong reminded the public that during the Chinese New Year period, they can have fun while protecting their health by exercising moderately and paying attention to their diet and lifestyle.