A 30-year-old Chinese woman died after her heart stopped beating just minutes after completing an 11-hour international flight.
She had landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport when the medical emergency struck.
The woman collapsed approximately 10 minutes after arriving at the airport. She experienced breathing difficulties and coughed up blood before falling unconscious.
Emergency responders rushed her to Guangzhou Baiyun Hospital.
Medical Team’s Failed Rescue Attempts
Hospital staff performed emergency intubation and defibrillation procedures. Despite their efforts, they could not save her life. Her condition continued to deteriorate after admission.
Peng Xiaohong (name transliterated from Mandarin), director of the hospital’s intensive care department, explained the suspected cause. The medical team could not complete a pulmonary artery CT angiography scan due to the sudden onset of her condition.
Based on her symptoms, doctors strongly suspected pulmonary embolism caused the acute attack. This condition occurs when blood clots from deep leg veins break loose and block lung arteries.
Long Flights Create Blood Clot Risks
Peng described pulmonary embolism as a high-risk disease for people who sit motionless for extended periods. Prolonged sitting restricts blood flow in the lower limbs, leading to clot formation.
“Long periods of sitting cause poor blood circulation in the legs,” she said. When these clots break free and block pulmonary arteries, sudden death can occur.
She called pulmonary embolism an “invisible killer” that threatens people who sit for long periods. The condition can strike people of any age group.
Summer vacation season sees more people travelling by car or plane, making this a peak period for the disease.
Prevention Tips for Long-Distance Travelers
Peng advised travellers to move their legs regularly during journeys. Simple exercises include flexing feet and lifting legs.
She recommended drinking moderate amounts of water every hour. Travellers should avoid high-sugar and stimulating beverages.
Medical compression socks can also help to promote blood circulation during long trips.
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