by Elizabeth Parry

there is no guaranteed way to prevent DVT during air travel

DVT is a condition where a small blood clots occur in the deep veins usually of the legs. It is wholly separate from less serious blood clots that can develop in the varicose veins of the legs.

What is the link between DVT and air travel?

There is strong evidence that the condition can be caused by air travel. DVT can be brought on where an individual is seated in cramped conditions for long periods of time without any exercise. Hence the reasons for the fear that long haul flights in particular are at risk from the potentially fatal blood clot.

How serious is it?

Latest figures indicate that almost 1% of people who develop DVT dies from the condition.

Why can it prove fatal?

The blood clot developed in the leg can be carried in the bloodstream to another part of the body where the clot can block the flow of blood to a critical organ, such as the heart—causing a heart attack—or brain—causing a stroke.

How is it treated?

DVT is predominantly treated with with blood-thinning drugs or anticoagulant. In some instances clot dissolving medications or thrombolytics may be used.

How common is it?

Each year approximately 25000 people develop some form of DVT in the UK occurs in about 1 in 2000 people in the general population, ranging from less than 1 in 3000 in people under the age of 40 up to 1 in 500 in those over 80.

The older a person is the greater chance they have of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis. Over 40's have are at a 50% higher risk and over 70's are twice as likely to suffer than those under 40. There are also certain groups of people who are more ar risk:.

- those who have had previous blood clots
- those with a family history of blood clots
- pregnant women
- women who have recently given birth
- women on the pill
- women on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- those who have recently had knee or hip surgery
- suffering from blood diseases
- with cancer or have received treatment for cancer
- with a history of heart or circulation problems

What are the signs of DVT?

The most common symptom of DVT is a painful swelling and possible redness of the leg particularly in the calf area (back of your leg below the knee). Again this is different to the swelling of the ankles which often occurs on airplanes. DVT swelling can occur during the flight but more often hours and sometimes days later. In some cases people can experience breathing difficulties. If you develop swollen painful legs, especially where one is more affected than the other, see a local doctor urgently or go the the nearest A&E department.

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