Blood Clots
and Travel Wednesday, July 8, 2009 7:51 AM
Many people will be
traveling this summer, including those with Lymphedema. Here are a few things
to
remember about travel and DVT, from MD Travel
Health.
---------------------------------------------
Deep vein
thrombosis
.
Blood clots may form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
during long plane flights, chiefly because of
prolonged immobility.
The longer the flight, the greater the risk. The risk is greatest for flights
longer than
8-10 hours. Blood clots can also form after long train
or car rides. Though most blood clots are reabsorbed
uneventfully,
some may dislodge and travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, where they
may obstruct
blood flow and cause life-threatening
complications.
Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include
previous
history of deep vein thrombosis
chronic swelling of the legs or
feet
varicose veins
pregnancy
use of estrogen or raloxifene
(Evista)
advanced age
cancer
obesity
stroke
recent
hospitalization or surgery
To prevent the development of blood clots on long
plane flights, the following measures are recommended:
Wear comfortable,
loose-fitting clothing.
Do not place hand luggage where it may limit leg
movement.
Walk about the cabin at regular intervals.
Perform isometric
compressions of the leg muscles (i.e. contract the leg muscles periodically
while sitting).
Avoid crossing your legs.
Drink plenty of
fluids.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
For those with any of the above risk
factors, wear compression stockings, which can be purchased in most
drug stores.
Low molecular weight heparin may be considered for
those at particularly high risk for thrombosis.
The chief symptom of deep
vein thrombosis is swelling of the foot, ankle, or calf on one side, sometimes
accompanied by pain. When the blood clot travels to the lungs, the
chief symptoms are chest pain and
difficulty breathing. Travelers
with any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
and Travel Wednesday, July 8, 2009 7:51 AM
Many people will be
traveling this summer, including those with Lymphedema. Here are a few things
to
remember about travel and DVT, from MD Travel
Health.
---------------------------------------------
Deep vein
thrombosis
.
Blood clots may form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
during long plane flights, chiefly because of
prolonged immobility.
The longer the flight, the greater the risk. The risk is greatest for flights
longer than
8-10 hours. Blood clots can also form after long train
or car rides. Though most blood clots are reabsorbed
uneventfully,
some may dislodge and travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, where they
may obstruct
blood flow and cause life-threatening
complications.
Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include
previous
history of deep vein thrombosis
chronic swelling of the legs or
feet
varicose veins
pregnancy
use of estrogen or raloxifene
(Evista)
advanced age
cancer
obesity
stroke
recent
hospitalization or surgery
To prevent the development of blood clots on long
plane flights, the following measures are recommended:
Wear comfortable,
loose-fitting clothing.
Do not place hand luggage where it may limit leg
movement.
Walk about the cabin at regular intervals.
Perform isometric
compressions of the leg muscles (i.e. contract the leg muscles periodically
while sitting).
Avoid crossing your legs.
Drink plenty of
fluids.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
For those with any of the above risk
factors, wear compression stockings, which can be purchased in most
drug stores.
Low molecular weight heparin may be considered for
those at particularly high risk for thrombosis.
The chief symptom of deep
vein thrombosis is swelling of the foot, ankle, or calf on one side, sometimes
accompanied by pain. When the blood clot travels to the lungs, the
chief symptoms are chest pain and
difficulty breathing. Travelers
with any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.