Am I at risk of DVT?
WORLDWIDE | Wednesday, 7 January 2009 | Views [957]
Most international travelers are used to having to sit in the same position, for long periods of time. Airline travel is a prime example of this and is often a necessary evil of discovering new places. Long-distance travel carries with it a risk of DVT (deep vein thrombus), commonly known as blood clots.
Much has been written and discussed about "economy class syndrome" but the truth is that anybody, regardless of his or her ticket price or destination, who is immobile can form a blood clot. The danger of these blood clots is that they can dislodge from the deep veins of the legs, where they most commonly form, and migrate to the lungs, blocking the vital contact of oxygen and blood. When the blood clot enters the lungs, it is then called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Symptoms of DVT can include:
- Leg swelling, especially in only one leg
- Localized pain in the leg, especially the calf
Symptoms of PE can include:
- Chest pain, sudden in onset
- Shortness of breath
- Hemoptysis (coughing of blood)
- Tachycardia (heart rate faster than 100 beats/minute)
The WRIGHT Project, from the World Health Organization, looked specifically at DVT and travel. Conclusions from their study showed DVT risk doubles after any type of travel, over four hours in duration. The absolute risk of DVT in travelers with a journey over four hours was determined to be 1 in 6,000.
DVT Risk Factors:
- Previous DVT or PE
- History of DVT or PE in a closely related family member
- Oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Recent surgery or trauma
- Inherited blood clotting disorders
- Older age is controversial
So now we know that being immobile for a period over four hours increases your risk of developing a DVT/PE. What good does that do the traveler sitting on a 19 hour flight? The traveler flying, driving or riding for extended time should be aware of the risk and take steps to prevent blood clot formation.
Contraction of the muscles is especially important for improving blood flow to an area. Taking opportunities to stand up and walk around use muscles not exercised by simply sitting. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing also helps eliminate the pooling of blood in the lower extremities. Proper hydration is another step to ensure adequate blood flow to all parts of the body.
Steps to prevent DVT in travel:
- Stand up and walk frequently
- Avoid tight fitting clothing
- Proper hydration
- Seated Exercises
Seated exercises can be done every hour or so, helping use muscles that are doing nothing while you are seated.
Foot Raises:
Keeping the toes on the ground, simply raise your heels, as high as you can, and lower them. Then keeping your heels on the ground, raise just your toes as high as you can. Repeat this several times.
Knee to Chest:
While seated, bring your left knee to your chest and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this with your right leg and then do several alternations between the two.
Toe circles:Raising both your feet off the ground and moving only the tip of your toes, make circles with each foot. First work clockwise for ten circles, the do ten circles counter clockwise.
Front Bends:
Keeping your feet planted on the floor, bend forward at the waist and slide you hands from your knees down to your shins and finally grabbing your ankles. Hold this position for 5 seconds and the repeat several times.
Neck Roll:
Roll your head, without moving your shoulders, in a clockwise motion. Complete 4 to 5 rotations before stopping and doing several rotations counter clockwise.
Hand Raises:
Raise your right hand over your head, like you are asking a question. Using your left hand, grab your wrist and pull your arm to the left side of your body. Provide gentle resistance with your right hand, for 5 seconds. Repeat this on the opposite side.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Written by WorldNomads.com's roving medical expert and afficionado of Adventure Travel Health, Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD.
Tags: dvt, air travel, travel health, blood clot, long-haul
Add your comments
