|
|
 Tips for Reducing the Risk of DVT:- Buy as much legroom as you can afford, or avoid crowded flights so that you have room to lie down or stretch out.
- Wear comfortable, non-restricting clothing for the journey.
- Keep mobile: Movement of the calf muscle is what keeps blood flowing. Get up and walk around the cabin, at least once every hour.
- Do not become a prisoner in your own seat! - Ask for your meal tray to be removed promptly when you have finished with it (or better still, bring your own meal and eat when you are hungry)
- Avoid crossing your legs, or sitting in the same position for a prolonged period.
- Do not take sleeping pills unless you are able to sleep in a fully horizontal and unrestricted position.
- Exercise in your seat - either by tensing and relaxing your calf muscles, or by using a specially-designed exerciser such as the Airogym or Push-Cush - these are two-chambered air-pillows that you push with your feet, squeezing air back and forth from one side to the other.
- Keep well hydrated by drinking a pint of water for every three hours in the air (consider taking your own supply). Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, which are diuretics and have a dehydrating effect - unless you drink extra water to compensate for them. (Dehydration on long haul flights is caused not by dryness of the air, but by two main factors: not drinking for many hours at a time; and losing fluid from the bloodstream into the tissues of the legs - seen as swelling.)
- Consider wearing graduated Class I compression stockings, such as the Medi-Ven travel stocking. Support stockings are surprisingly comfortable on long flights; those unfamiliar with the practical intricacies of such garments should keep in mind that putting them on in an economy class seat or in an aircraft lavatory is almost impossible.
- People at moderately increased risk of DVT include those on the Pill or HRT, smokers, people who are overweight, very tall, very short, have varicose veins, previous or current leg swelling from any cause, are pregnant, or have a history of cancer or vascular disease. Stockings are a sensible precaution.
- If you have had a previous DVT, have a known clotting tendency, recent major surgery or stroke, have current malignant disease or chemotherapy, or have paralysed lower limb(s), you may be at high risk: use support stockings and discuss with your doctor the possibility of an anti-coagulant injection (low molecular weight heparin).
More information...
DVT Links
Screening |
|
|
About the Travel Clinic 
Air Travel & Flying 
