Fear of flying may be a major cause of potentially fatal blood clots on flights, according to medical experts.

Fear of flying - intensified since September 11 - leads to adrenaline which in turn thickens blood and possibly leads to blood clots.

Forum Response: British Airways

A spokeswoman for British Airways told ePolitix.com: "This new theory is certainly an interesting idea but we are not aware of any medical evidence to support it. We recognise that there is a great deal of public concern with Deep Vein Thrombosis and its possible links to flying. There is also inadequate information at the moment and we strongly support greater research in this area. British Airways provides its passengers with a great deal of pre-flight information about the benefits of drinking water and taking exercise to ensure that passengers enjoy a comfortable flight."

Forum Response: Virgin Atlantic

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic told ePolitix.com: "Although there has never been a proven link between DVT and flying, we would certainly welcome more research in this area."