Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

For those who fly quite often, I am sure you must have heard of this “economy class syndrome”. Deep-vein thrombosis (also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT and colloquially as economy class syndrome) is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein.
Blood clotting provides us with essential protection against severe loss of blood from an injury to a vein or artery. However, blood is only supposed to clot when it is outside a blood vessel, and clotting within an artery, or vein, can be dangerous. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. The DVT usually forms in a deep leg vein, and can cause immobility (lack of movement). Deep leg veins are the larger veins that run through the muscles of the calf and thigh. A DVT can form across all, or part, of the width of your vein, which can block your blood flow either completely or partially.
Some of the risk factors include advanced age, obesity, infection, immobilization, use of combined (estrogen-containing) forms of hormonal contraception, tobacco usage and air travel ("economy class syndrome", a combination of immobility and relative dehydration).

PREVENTION
Smoking and diet
Smoking and being overweight increase your risk of developing a DVT. Giving up smoking and trying to lose weight through a sensible diet and regular exercise will help prevent you from getting a DVT

Tips for traveling
If you are at risk of getting a DVT, or have had a DVT previously, you should consult your GP before embarking on long distance travel. During long distance travel (journeys of six hours or more), particularly during long-haul flights, ensure that you:
- drink plenty of water,
- avoid excessive alcohol as it can lead to dehydration,
- avoid taking sleeping pills as it can cause immobility,
- perform simple leg exercises, such as regularly flexing your ankles. Most airlines provide information on suitable exercises to do during your flight,
- take occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests it is safe to do so, Walking activates the body's muscle pumps, increasing venous velocity and preventing stasis.
- take advantage of refueling stopovers where it may be possible to get off the plane and walk about, and
- wear elastic compression stockings.

source: Dr Edward Nathan, Preventive Health SpecialistMBBS(Vellore) MPH(Loma Linda)

edwardnathan@pah.com.my