DVT and air travel
Flying is a highly popular form of travel. Low cost holidays at exotic locations, together with business commitments, mean that most people travel by air at some time.
One health problem associated with flying, even for trips as short as 3 hours, is the risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins. This problem, known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, can have serious consequences. The blood clot may dislodge and may be carried through the network of veins leading back to the heart. From there it can pass into the lung, causing a sometimes-fatal pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lung).
Sitting still for long periods of time, particularly with the knees bent, causes the blood in the leg veins to become relatively static, increasing the risk of a clot forming.
Other flying-related factors which increase the risk of DVT include the air pressure in the aircraft cabin and dehydration. Dehydration occurs through the tendency to drink alcohol on planes, not drinking enough water, and exposure to the dry air in the cabin.
Aircraft passengers can reduce their risk of DVT with some simple precautions.
- Exercising the lower legs while sitting.
- Getting up and walking around the aircraft frequently. (This is especially important on long overseas flights which can last for 12 or more hours).
- Avoiding too much alcohol.
- Having frequent non-alcoholic drinks.
For those most at risk of DVT (for example smokers, the overweight and those with a previous history of blood clots), wearing special elastic stockings is a sensible move. Taking a small dose of aspirin before flying could also help in some cases.
If you are planning a plane trip, discuss the risks of DVT with your doctor.
Last Reviewed: 24 May 2002
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