UK Father Warns of the Deadly Combination of DVT and Video Games

A South Yorkshire man whose son died after playing video games for 12 hours straight due to complications with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), is now campaigning to create a greater awareness about the condition and how it can be exacerbated with the excessive use of video games.

20-year-old Chris Staniforth died in May of this year after a marathon video gaming session turned deadly due to his DVT. Deep vein thrombosis (also commonly referred to as deep venous thrombosis or economy class syndrome) is the formation of a blood clot (called a "thrombus") in a deep vein. It is a form of thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein with clot formation).

Father David Staniforth thinks the condition may have been triggered by being immobile and playing games for 12 hours or more. David claims that his son would sometimes play online on his Xbox 360 for periods up to 12 hours.

The local coroner said a clot formed in Chris' left calf before moving to his lungs. This is typically one of the things that can occur with DVT. Once there, the clot can cause a fatal blockage, also called a pulmonary embolism.

While Chris's condition may have been exacerbated by playing games on Xbox Live, his father noted that it was not the activity that was the cause, but the long period of time spent doing it:

"After my research I saw there was no difference to Chris sitting at a desk on his Xbox and someone on a long-haul flight," David Staniforth said. "Sitting still is literally the danger zone. Chris loved to play and would stay up all night."

"Millions of people worldwide are playing these games for hours, and there is a risk," he added.

David Staniforth adds the he has no problem with playing games but he does want to warn parents and other DVT sufferers of the serious risk it poses. He plans to create a website for just that purpose.

We sincerely hope that, in helping make other people understand the risks associated with DVT and games, David Staniforth can find some much deserved comfort.

Source: BBC, Image via. Thanks to Andrew Eisen for the tip.