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A thrombosis is a blood clot. Such clots can block blood vessels with potentially serious implications - even death. A deep vein thrombosis (or DVT), is a clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg and carries the risk of a "pulmonary embolism” (i.e. If the clot dislodges it can move to the pulmonary artery blocking the main blood vessel to the lungs and possibly resulting in death).
Blood flows through the veins via a system known as the “venous pump”. Muscles squeeze blood from one segment in a vein through a one-way valve system into the next segment and so on. The process is repeated delivering the blood back to the heart.
Sitting for extended periods of time results in the blood “pooling” in the legs and this is why DVT may be more common on long haul international flights – sitting in a confined space for an extended period of time.
DVT are painful. If you suffer from one you’ll experience pain “deep” in the muscle. It is likely that your foot, leg, ankle will swell and be red and warm to the touch. The DVT is caused by the clotting agents (platelets) within the blood. These are necessary to stem bleeding if a blood vessel is cut forming a mesh into which other platelets stick forming a plug which seals off the injured site. Whilst crucial for survival this very same mechanism can also be deadly should a dislodged DVT occur.
DVT have a number of factors that contribute to their formation including:
- A history of coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- The oral contraceptive pill
- A family (or personal) history of DVT
- Sitting still for long periods of time – as is the case on long haul international flights
- A recent surgery or injury
DVT that remains in the leg vein, it can cause a number of complications due to the occlusion (blockage) of blood flow, but the real danger occurs if the DVT dislodges and travels through the circulatory system causing a pulmonary embolism. It is estimated that up to 80% of such embolisms have their original in a DVT. 30% of people who experience such an ailment die. Swift intervention with anti-coagulation drugs is needed to dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow.
In a recent paper published in the Lancet, researchers concluded that flying directly increases a person's risk. Various airlines suggest passengers reduce the risk of DVT by:
- Wearing compression stockings and taking aspirin in preparation for flying
- Not smoking and lowering alcohol consumption
- Staying well hydrated
- Moving throughout the flight – walking, stretching
- Consulting your doctor before travelling if in the at risk category.
If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a DVT treatments will include:
- Hospitalisation and the administration of IV drugs to dissolve the clot
- Long term treatment with anticoagulant drugs (e.g. Warfarin), to prevent future clots
- Intermittent blood testing to monitor the 'stickiness' of the blood
- Reducing risk factors (e.g. Quitting smoking, losing weight, modifying diet and exercise habits).
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