Air Travel: Deep Vein Thrombosis

People take many risks when flying. The plane could crash, catch on fire, or even be hijacked. Recently physicians have discovered that flying may also lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications.

What is DVT?
DVT happens when a thrombus, or a clot of red blood cells, sticks onto the wall of a deep leg vein such as a femoral iliac. The unattached part of the thrombus continues to grow after the other end is attached to the wall of the vein. Eventually this part of the thrombus can break off and travel freely throughout the blood stream. The free thrombus is called an embolus, and it can attach to any blood vessel and cause blockage that can lead to serious problems such as a stroke or heart attack.

DVT and Air Travel
DVT can be caused by immobility, old age, heart failure, vessel damage, pregnancy, and coagulation disorders. These risk factors help explain why being on an airplane can increase your risk for DVT. Passengers on a plane stay seated for most of the flight, and the small amount of legroom on planes does not allow for adequate leg movement. Sitting for extended periods of time reduces blood circulation by more 50 percent. This immobility can cause blood clots to form, become thrombi, and possibly progress to dangerous emboli. Furthermore, the dry air in the cabin thickens your blood, which makes you more susceptible to blood clots.

Symptoms of DVT
Some people have DVT but never show any symptoms. Without symptoms, DVT can progress into advanced stages before a person ever receives vital medical attention. However, many people do show symptoms of DVT, and it is important to be able to recognize these signs before the DVT can cause serious damage.

The blood clot activates an inflammatory process when it attaches onto the wall of the deep leg vein. The inflammation causes the leg to swell and become discolored and tender. People often spot the development of DVT by the red and purple blotches on their skin.

Preventing DVT in The Air
Passengers are most vulnerable to DVT when they are on long flights in economy class. The seats in economy class are smaller and do not recline as much as the seats in first class.

Physicians suggest that people with risk factors for DVT sit in first class and try to walk around as much as possible. If you have to sit in economy class, physicians recommend ordering an alcoholic drink since the alcohol will thin your blood and help counter any coagulation that has occurred during the flight.