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Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis: Keep the Blood Flowing

No matter what the mode of transportation, sitting motionless for long periods may put some travelers at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein deep within the muscles, usually in the calf or thigh. But people can reduce their risk of getting DVT, says the American Heart Association (AHA), by taking some simple precautions on long trips.

What Makes Deep Vein Thrombosis More Likely?

•     an inherited condition that causes increased risk for clotting
•     low blood flow in a deep vein due to injury, surgery, or being immobile
•     cancer and its treatment
•     other medical conditions, such as varicose veins
•     sitting for a long period of time, as on long trips
•     pregnancy and the first six weeks after giving birth
•     being older than age 60
•     being overweight
•     taking birth control pills or hormone therapy
•     having a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for      medical treatment (central venous catheter)

Reducing the Risk While Traveling

DVT has been dubbed "economy-class syndrome," reflecting the cramped legroom in economy class airline seating. But it can happen to passengers in any seating class of an aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. It can also happen to people on long rides in cars, trains, or buses. 

The following are some suggestions for preventing DVT:

•       Walk whenever possible onboard a long flight or between connecting flights. 

•       Wear compression stockings.  They put gentle pressure on the leg muscles and help move blood to the heart.  Studies in healthy people have shown that wearing compression stockings minimizes the risk of developing DVT after long flights, according to the AHA. These stockings are available at medical supply stores.

•       Avoid regular socks with very tight elastic bands at the top.

•       Do not sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time.  This can constrict the veins.

•       Exercise your legs by curling or pressing the toes down if you cannot walk frequently.  This causes the muscles to contract and squeeze on the leg veins, helping to pump the blood along.

•       Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration causes blood vessels to narrow and blood to thicken, increasing the risk for DVT. Reducing alcohol and coffee consumption, which both contribute to dehydration, is also recommended.

These steps aren't scientifically proven to prevent DVT, but they're common sense, says the AHA. It is unknown whether or not taking aspirin before or during a flight can reduce DVT risk.

Adapted from source: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Public Affairs, www.fda.gov