Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) has been a hot topic through the media over the last decade with various reports from passengers of long haul flights developing DVT. This article will give you some quick tips to do during your long flights to help prevent DVT.
DVT occurs from blood clotting, usually in the large veins of the calves. The problem with this is when these clots break free and travel up the veins through the heart to lodge in the arteries of the lungs.
DVT commonly occurs to people who are immobilized, such as during long haul flights, or any sort of transport in which the passenger isn’t moving.
There are other factors that can exacerbate the onset of DVT, including age, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking to name a few.
According to Australia’s department of Health, the Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis states that the risk of DVT can be reduced based on the following:
If symptoms occur, seek medical advice without delay.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Cover-More Insurance. Following any of the reviews, opinions, advice and/or recommendations is at your own risk. Liability will not be held by Cover-More Insurance or the author for any loss incurred as a result of following any of the featured reviews.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Shankar s.; cropped from original