Should Frequent Flyers Be Concerned About Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the body.
A clot may form in more than one deep vein, and the condition most commonly affects veins in the legs.
Some might feel leg pain with the condition, although a lot of people with a DVT do not have any symptoms and are unaware that they have it.
The biggest concern with the condition is that the blood clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream into the lungs.
This blocks blood flow and can result in a pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious condition.
So how do DVTs form? They may form during long periods of sitting, such as when traveling a long distance in a car or on an airplane.
When the calves do not contract for a long time, such as when sitting for a long period of time, the blood does not circulate as well.
Not surprisingly, frequent flyers should take note of the condition and potential symptoms, although as mentioned, most do not have symptoms.
Still, the chance that a deep vein thrombosis will develop on a long car or plane ride is low.
People with certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to blood clots.
Those with conditions-often inherited-that affects the way their blood clots are more susceptible to DVTs.
These individuals should be especially careful on long plane rides, car rides, and even in periods of prolonged bed rest.
A DVT can occur at any age, although those over 60 are at a higher risk of the condition, as are tall men (tall women do not seem to be at an increased risk).
When on a long plane ride, frequent flyers (or anybody at a higher risk of DVT) should exercise their calf muscles whenever possible.
If the fasten seat belts sign is off, get up and walk around the cabin.
If unable to get up, raise and lower the heels and keep the toes on the floor to exercise the calves.
Even casual flyers who fly only now and then should exercise their calves and walk around the cabin a bit when on a plane ride, especially a long one.
Other lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure can help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and should be discussed with a doctor.
A clot may form in more than one deep vein, and the condition most commonly affects veins in the legs.
Some might feel leg pain with the condition, although a lot of people with a DVT do not have any symptoms and are unaware that they have it.
The biggest concern with the condition is that the blood clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream into the lungs.
This blocks blood flow and can result in a pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious condition.
So how do DVTs form? They may form during long periods of sitting, such as when traveling a long distance in a car or on an airplane.
When the calves do not contract for a long time, such as when sitting for a long period of time, the blood does not circulate as well.
Not surprisingly, frequent flyers should take note of the condition and potential symptoms, although as mentioned, most do not have symptoms.
Still, the chance that a deep vein thrombosis will develop on a long car or plane ride is low.
People with certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to blood clots.
Those with conditions-often inherited-that affects the way their blood clots are more susceptible to DVTs.
These individuals should be especially careful on long plane rides, car rides, and even in periods of prolonged bed rest.
A DVT can occur at any age, although those over 60 are at a higher risk of the condition, as are tall men (tall women do not seem to be at an increased risk).
When on a long plane ride, frequent flyers (or anybody at a higher risk of DVT) should exercise their calf muscles whenever possible.
If the fasten seat belts sign is off, get up and walk around the cabin.
If unable to get up, raise and lower the heels and keep the toes on the floor to exercise the calves.
Even casual flyers who fly only now and then should exercise their calves and walk around the cabin a bit when on a plane ride, especially a long one.
Other lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure can help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and should be discussed with a doctor.
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