DVT and blood thinning

[straitman]

Please let me know if you find it. I'm not sure that there has been enough research in this area.

Will do.

 

[Hawkeye]

There have been a number of epidemiological papers studying the risk of DVT associated with air travel, particularly long-haul. By nature, these studies can never prove an association, but can provide an estimate of the relative risk. I cannot recall exact data, but it is sufficient to say that the magnitude of the relative risk detected in these studies has been highly variable. Some have suggested no increased risk.

Most in the medical fratenity accept that air travel is indeed a risk factor for venous thromboembolism.

It is worth adding that the incidence of VTE in the population is relatively high - about 1 case per 1000 persons per year. Statistically, therefore, for every three full 747's there will be one passenger that will experience a clot during that year.

 

[rhjames]

Hawkeye - I'd be interested to see a comparison DVT occurrance of two populations of fit active people with no abnormality in blood coagualion. The populations would differ - one group would be regular long haul flyers, and the other not. I doubt that such data is available, as there would be few blood tests of this type on people unless they already have some problem. I suspect that the flyers would show a statistically significant increase. Reasons could relate to reduced air pressure having an effect on blood pH, or some unusual body reaction.

 

[oz_mark]

I am pretty sure I saw a report once that suggested that travelling by bus or train was also problematic.

 

[straitman]

I am pretty sure I saw a report once that suggested that travelling by bus or train was also problematic.

As is indicated in the report I'll try and dig out from work next week.

 

[ethernet]

<ramble mode on>
However I believe this 'no liquids' restriction is indirectly responsible for deaths and DVT incidents. I believe there is a formula, and FF's should ensure they do not become too dehydrated. I feel for soccer and hockey players with a fresh heamotonea's, and battered legs generally.

I find them 'toy' DVT travel stockings just that.
I am a convert to Jobst socks 20-30 , and have found ameswalker.com 1-8875257224 has all you want (not a plug, but an earned ranking. Their home brand is not as good, but at 1/4 the price, quite 75% as decent) , if you local aussie discount chemist has huge stock gaps, chemist shops next to vascular specialists have better ranges in au.

I also pack a few multvits, folic acid and Iron tabs, or fefol or the like. Many aussies are deficient in same,if you are skipping too many greens, the bright yellow urine is a good reminder to drink more water.

If inbound, the 30-50 minutes of standing inline for quarantine after a 15 hour flight is another possible DVT factor. A 30 minute average is something NOT to be proud of.

 

[JohnK]

Interesting thread. I have always been fearful of DVT but have never taken it seriously.

My calves swell due to poor circulation caused by deficient valves and after some long haul plane trips I am in pain for hours after landing and have difficulty standing or walking. I also have similar problems after a game of golf.

Am I candidate for DVT? My doctor knows about my health issues and that I travel regularly yet has not mentioned that I need to do anything about it. I think time for some research on my part.

I was also prescribed the Jobst socks many years ago but after trying them a few times gave up on the idea.

 

[rhjames]

My calves swell due to poor circulation caused by deficient valves and after some long haul plane trips I am in pain for hours after landing and have difficulty standing or walking. Am I candidate for DVT? My doctor knows about my health issues and that I travel regularly yet has not mentioned that I need to do anything about it. I think time for some research on my part.

I would advise talking to your GP about treatment for flying - either a clexane injection, or asprin or similar (see earlier posts) before flying. If your GP doesn't know, see another or ask for a specialist.

 

[smithym]

Am I candidate for DVT?

There are a lot of predisposing factors that contribute to venous thromboembolism. The more common factors are extended periods of inactivity, obesity, smoking, heart disease, some oral contraceptive pills (i assume your not taking these) among others. If you fit into any or multiple of these categories, well then yes you are a candidate. The fact that you get painful claves post periods of inactivity would concern me. Although, I have seen patients with no know predisposing factors present with acute cases.

I was also prescribed the Jobst socks many years ago but after trying them a few times gave up on the idea.

These are a good starting point, although uncomfortable, and have proven to achieve good results.

I would discuss this with your GP further, some health professionals just need a bit of prompting at times. The key is prevention not cure.