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27 - Risk of Blood Clots or Thrombosis During Air Travel
Related Pages - Please Also See;
26 - Cabin Pressure During Air Travel
27 - Risk of Blood Clots (Thrombosis) During Air Travel
28 - Preventing Thrombosis Injury During Air Travel
29 – In Case of Aircraft Evacuation
30 – How to Survive an Air Crash
Safety of Air Travel by Unaccompanied Minors (Children Traveling Alone by Air)
Safety of Travelers at Airports
Risk of Blood Clots (Thrombosis) During Air Travel
PROLONGED immobility, particularly when the individual is seated, leads to pooling of blood in the legs, which in turn causes swelling, stiffness, and discomfort
Circulatory stasis is a predisposing factor for the development of venous thrombosis (blood clots). Flex thoroughly when you are awake!
Risk increases with time in the air. A flight of less than two hours may be free of risk unless it follows another flight of two or more hours or if you spent two hours in your seat waiting to take off. It is estimated that about 100 air travelers die every year of blood clots
Blood clots can form in the deep veins that are not visible through the skin of your legs during travel because you are sitting still in a confined space for long periods of time. The longer you sit still, the greater your risk is of developing a blood clot
Part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a sudden blockage of arteries in the lung, known as a pulmonary embolism. Though these types of blot clots are rare, they are very serious and can cause death
Conditions that increase your chances of getting blood clots, include
--Having had a previous blood clot
--Family history of blood clots
--Known clotting disorder
--Recent surgery, hospitalization, or injury
--Use of estrogen-containing birth control or hormone replacement therapy
--Current or recent pregnancy
--Older age
--Obesity
--Cancer or cancer treatment such as chemotherapy
--Serious medical conditions (for example, congestive heart failure or inflammatory bowel disease)
More on Risk of Blood Clots During Air Travel
Blood clots during air travel, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), can occur due to prolonged immobility and other factors. To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to understand risk factors, take preventative measures, and be aware of symptoms
Risk Factors:
Prolonged Immobility:
Sitting for extended periods, especially in cramped conditions, reduces blood flow in the legs
Air Travel Specifics:
Low cabin pressure and reduced oxygen levels can also contribute to clot formation
Pre-existing Conditions:
Individuals with a history of DVT or PE, certain medical conditions (like cancer, heart or lung problems), pregnancy, and those using oral contraceptives or hormone therapy are at higher risk, according to Fit for Travel
Other Factors:
Age (especially over 40), obesity, recent surgery or injury, and family history of blood clots also increase risk, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Prevention:
Movement:
Get up and walk around the cabin when possible
Leg Exercises:
Perform simple exercises like foot circles, heel/toe raises, and knee raises while seated
Hydration:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Compression Stockings:
Consider wearing properly fitted graduated compression stockings
Medications:
If advised by a doctor, take prescribed blood thinners or aspirin
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with pre-existing risk factors should consult their doctor before flying, says Fit for Travel
Symptoms:
Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT
Leg pain, cramping, swelling, and warmth in the affected leg, according to the American Society of Hematology
Pulmonary Embolism - PE
Chest pain, irregular heart beat, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention!
