Friday, September 28, 2007

Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Really A Risk When You Fly?

There have been many news reports lately of the risk of deep vein thrombosis for some people traveling on long haul flights.  Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is defined as the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein.  It typically affects the leg veins and if the clot isn’t dealt with, there is a threat of the clot traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism.

Often, there are no symptoms in the location of the DVT.  When there are symptoms, they include swelling, pain, and redness of the leg and dilation of the surface veins.  Air travel does pose a risk because of the long periods of inactivity.

A new study out of the Leiden University Medical Center, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam and Nestle Medical Services surveyed over 8,700 people of international companies to find out whether they developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli after air travel.  Out of the entire survey population, 53 thromboses occurred. Twenty-two of them occurred within eight weeks of a long haul flight.  In addition, the researchers found that there was only a very slight increase in thromboses per year for people who took long haul flights.  The final tally showed one thrombosis event per 4,656 long haul flights.

The study also determined the following people are at a greater risk to develop DVT:

  • People younger than age 30
  • Women using oral contraceptives
  • People who are particularly short, tall or overweight

If you are in one of these risk groups, it is important to following some precautionary measures when on a long haul flight.
  • Exercise your foot and calf muscles regularly by doing the following:

    • Every 30-45 minutes, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when seated.
    • Every once and awhile, press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot rest to help increase the blood flow to your legs.
    • Every hour, take a walk up and down the aisle when it is safe to do so.
    • If your plane is refueling, take this opportunity to deplane in order to get exercise and stretch.
  • Do not drink too much alcohol.
  • Do not take sleeping pills as they cause immobility.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
  • Consider wearing compression stockings.

Once you deplane, take a little walk right away to help get your blood flowing and your legs working.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is not a reason to stop traveling.  In fact, your risk is slight; however, it is important to be aware of the condition and to take steps to mitigate your risks.  Most people have no problems after flying; however, if you develop a sore area on your leg or experience trouble breathing after you have been on a long haul flight, you need to see a doctor immediately to rule out DVT.

Posted by Sammy on 09/28 at 03:15 PM
Travel Tips • Permalink
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