Deep vein thrombosis: be aware if taking a long haul flight

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by blood clots (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in your legs, that can break lose and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow.  If left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism, which is very series and causes breathlessness, chest pain and sudden collapse.  DVT may cause a pain in your leg, swelling, tenderness, warm skin, red sin or a heavy ache of the affected area but there may be no symptoms.

In the UK, DVT affects about 1000 people per year.  It is more common in people over 40 years old, those who have a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism, those with a genetic risk, being inactive for long periods of time (such as a long haul flight), being pregnant and being overweight.  The combined contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy contain oestrogen which causes the blood to clot more easily and can slightly increase your risk of getting DVT.

Both DVT and pulmonary embolism need urgent medical treatment.

So if you are taking a long haul flight and you are concerned about DVT, it is important to drink plenty of water, do not drink any alcohol, keep yourself moving and perform leg exercises that will improve your circulate, and take regular walking breaks. Wearing flight/compression socks can help as they keep the lower leg compressed but they must be fitted properly.  Some doctors advise 75mg of aspirin before, during and after the flight.