DVT Prevention

Deep Vain Thrombosis (DVT) can occur during or as a result of air travel due to little movement or activity. DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body, most often in the lower leg and thigh. During flight your body is at greater risk of DVT because blood flow slows down. A blood clot can break off and move through the blood stream and in some instances get lodged in the brain, lungs, heart or other area causing serious health problems.

cabin3.jpgCertain people are at greater risk of DVT. These include:

  1. People on bedrest
  2. People who smoke cigarettes
  3. People who have fractures
  4. Mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months
  5. Women taking hormonal medications such as estrogen and birth control pills
  6. People whom are obese
  7. People who have recently had surgery (especially hip, knee, or female reproductive organ surgery)
  8. People who sit for long periods of time, such as on a plane flight or in a car
  9. People over the age of 60

If you have any of the following conditions you are also at increased risk:

  1. Blood that's more likely to clot
  2. Cancer
  3. Overproduction of red blood cells in bone marrow
  4. Symptoms: Often there are no immediate symptoms until several days after a flight, by which time DVT can often be mistaken for a cramp. However some common symptoms to look out for include:
  5. Changes in skin color (redness)
  6. Increased warmth in one leg
  7. Pain in one leg
  8. Tenderness in one leg
  9. Swelling (edema) of one leg


Prevention: For people at high risk of DVT a doctor can prescribe an anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent a clot from occurring. You can also try taking an asprin a couple hours before a flight as asprin has the same effect on thinning the blood.

There are some simple things you can do to keep blood flowing normally and reduce your risk of DVT:

  1. Flex your legs frequently (at least every 30 minutes) while seated.
  2. When on a flight, get up and move around the cabin to stretch your legs
  3. Try compression stockings, but not elastic "support" hose.
  4. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed for more than a few minutes.
  5. Drink LOTS of water.
  6. Avoid dehydrating beverages such as alcohol & caffeine.