What is a DVT?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein. This can occur in any vein, but commonly forms in the deep veins in the calf
How do I know if I have a DVT?
It can be very hard to detect the presence of a DVT in the calf, sometimes there will be no outward symptoms.
The calf may appear red and swollen and may feel hot, hard, or painful to the touch. Pulling your toes up towards you from the ankle, thus stretching the calf, may make the calf hurt.
A blood test called a D dimmer can detect clotting.
Is having a DVT a problem?
A DVT can become dangerous when part of the clot breaks off. This clot is then carried off in the bloodstream and can block smaller vessels. This can cause heart attack, or injury to the brain.
When am I more at risk from getting a DVT?
Anything that causes the blood flow to slow or thicken increases the risk of a DVT forming. This includes:
- Not being as mobile for long periods, for instance on long haul flights or after surgery.
- Women who are pregnant, taking contraception or hormone replacement therapy
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Trauma to the blood vessels- for instance a recent bang or sprain to the limb.
If you have a family history of clots or have had a previous problem with clots yourself you have a higher risk of getting a DVT
The more of these factors you have the greater your risk of DVT.
I’m going on a long haul flight what can I do to reduce my risk of getting a DVT?
- Don’t get dehydrated – drink plenty of water.
- Keep moving- take as many opportunities as possible to stand up and move around.
- Don't sit with your legs crossed whilst on the plane
- If changing aircraft walk a few brisk laps of the transit lounge rather than sitting down, walk along the airport corridors rather than standing on the travelator
- Do some simple exercises:
1) Circle your feet around from the ankles
2) Keep your toes on the floor lift your heels up, then drop your heels back down and lift your toes up. Do this vigorously so you are pumping the calf muscle.
Repeat these exercises about twenty times every hour. - Flight Socks are available commercially which provide compression on the lower leg and restricts the blood pooling in the veins.
- Some practitioners recommend taking an asprin the day before flying. There is conflicting evidence as to the effectiveness of this. Make sure aspirin will not affect any other medication or medical conditions that you have.
- Avoid constrictive clothing.
I'm going business class does that mean I will be OK?
It obviously means that you get more leg room than in economy, but this doesn't abolish any risk of getting a DVT. That will still depend on your personal risk factors as explained above and it's still good practice to reduce your risk as much as possible by following the advice above: including staying well hydrated, doing a few exercises every hour and walking around the transit lounge to get the blood pumping again if you change plane.
I think I may have a DVT what should I do?
See a medical practitioner – go to the local emergency department.
Don’t worry about getting it wrong it is better to get checked out for a false alarm than to put yourself at risk.
Products
Flight socks are available from:
Disclaimer: The information on this page is written to help you understand the condition. A DVT is potentially a life threatening condition and should you have any concerns at all you should always seek immediate advice from a qualified medical person.
