DVT and Air Travel
DVT and air travel can be a dangerous combination. stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis, and air travel increases your risk of developing it. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot in one of your major veins in your legs and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Your risk of developing DVT increases during air travel because air travel usually involves sitting for long periods of time in often cramped conditions. Heredity also plays a part in DVT and air travel - if you or a member of your family has had DVT in the past, your risk of DVT increases. Other factors such as obesity, age, and pregnancy also increase your risk of DVT during air travel.
Symptoms of DVT
You should be aware of the symptoms of DVT especially during air travel. These symptoms include:
- Discoloration of the skin (bluish or whitish)
- Gradual onset of pain
- Leg cramps
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
- Worsening leg pain when bending the foot.
Prevent DVT and Air Travel
During air travel, you are at a higher risk of DVT because air travel often involves sitting for long periods of time. It is very important to keep your blood moving in your legs so that a clot doesn't form. One way to promote healthy blood flow and prevent DVT during air travel is to get up and walk around for at least five minutes for every hour of sitting. This simple act of walking will help to increase your circulation and prevent blood clots.
If you have a history of blood clots, be sure to talk to your doctor or health care provider about DVT prevention before any air travel. Your doctor may recommend that you wear travel socks during your flight.
Travel socks are made with graduated support that can help promote blood flow between your heart and legs and prevent DVT during air travel.
