RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING A DVT INCLUDE:
• Dehydration • Age, with the risk increasing after 40 years old • Obesity (BMI greater than 30kg/m2) • Previous DVT (the CDC states that 1/3 of individuals with DVT/ PE will have a recurrence within 10 years) • Family history of blood clots • Varicose veins
• Recent surgery or injury (within the last 3 months) • Pregnancy • Oral contraception • Hormone replacement therapy • Cardio-respiratory disease • Active cancer or recent cancer treatment • Other chronic illness
*Anyone with 3 or more of these risk factors should consult their doctor about preventive measures prior to long-haul flights of 4 hours or greater.
RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS Immediate treatment is always preferred. However, about half of people with a DVT have no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms include:
PREVENTIVE MEASURES Prevention is always preferred. The following are steps you can take to decrease the risk of DVT: • Do regular stretching and mobility exercises and walking around the cabin during flight. • Stay hydrated (drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages). The rule of thumb is drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale in color. • Take a low-dose aspirin tablet (75 mg) for its anti-adhesive effects on
• Swelling in the leg or arm • Pain and tenderness you cannot explain • Skin warm to the touch • Redness to the skin
*If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. The following are signs of a pulmonary embolism. If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: • Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) • Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat • Chest pain or discomfort that often worsens with deep breathing or coughing • Coughing up blood • Anxiety, lightheadedness, or fainting
blood platelets. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding aspirin with any other medications.
• Use graded compression stockings.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid crossing your legs to reduce compression on the veins.
For online video links and handouts of “Exercises You Can Do In Your Seat,” call our office at (858) 675-1133 and ask for your seated airplane exercises to be emailed directly to you.
Safe travels!
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