Deep Vein Thrombosis

[tex]

Hi All,

A post by Marliss about air travel started me thinking about a little-publicized risk that air travelers are exposed to, every time they fly - deep vein thrombosis. The longer the flight, the higher the risk seems to be.

DVT refers to blood clots in the veins deep in the legs that are experienced by a surprisingly high number of individuals during flights. Most people who experience it, are not even aware that it has occurred. The airlines, of course, play down the risk, and try to sweep it under the rug, but according to some research:

Air travel related DVT, however, may well be the most important cause of death among people in the 20 to 44 year age group.

Part of the problem is that for many victims, the problem does not become noticeable until several days after the flight, so that they, (or their doctors), may not even realize what caused it. According to what I read, some authorities recommend that patients who have undergone surgery, especially those who have had orthopedic surgery, should not fly for at least 90 days after their operations. I have had major surgery twice, (not orthopedic), and I don't recall anyone ever suggesting to me that I shouldn't fly for a while, (maybe they suggested it while I was under anesthesia, or heavy sedation. ) Statistics are haphazard, at best, since so many people don't even realize that they are experiencing a DVT event when it occurs.

However imprecise these figures may prove to be; they do suggest that the risks posed by air travel may be dramatically greater than commonly perceived. One analysis has concluded that frequent business travellers have a 5% risk of contracting DVT in any one year; data which ought to bring the matter to the attention of their companies' medical department, not to mention their health insurers.

Everyone worries about plane crashes, but statistically, that is a miniscule risk. The real risk is serious health issues caused by DVT. I believe that if I were an air traveler, (which I'm not), I would own one of those little gadgets that doctors and nurses stick on the end of your finger to measure the oxygen saturation of your blood, and I would occasionally use it, starting immediately after the flight, and for several days afterwards. If the reading drops, something is obviously wrong, and it's time to head to the ER, ASAP. I've flown in the past, when I was young and foolish, but somewhere during my studies, I learned that Timoshenko, who is/was arguably the greatest engineer who ever lived, (the Timken rolling-element bearings are named after him), never flew - he always took the train. Since then, I tend to agree with Timoshenko, and I don't venture that far from the surface of the earth.

Anyway, here is an excellent, (IMO), article that describes the risks, the symptoms to look for, and preventative measures that can be taken to minimize the risk:

http://www.yourhealthbase.com/DVT.htm

Marliss, (and everyone else, for that matter), I certainly don't want to worry you unnecessarily, because the risk is not high, but it's significant enough that everyone who flies should be aware of it, especially if they find themselves in one of the higher-risk categories. At any rate, it might be a good idea to consider some of the suggestions for preventative measures, such as properly fitting flight hose, and occasional flexing exercises during the flight.

Love,
Tex

[Joefnh]

Tex my GP recommended taking an aspirin just before the flight and one just after, especially on flights of more that 3 hours.

--Joe

[tex]

Joe,

As you can see from the article, aspirin seems to have a minor beneficial effect, but it is not a particularly effective preventative measure, compared with other options. Good for your GP, though, for at least being aware of the problem and bringing it to your attention. Aspirin is definitely better than nothing, (for those who can safely take aspirin).

Tex

[MBombardier]

Tex, it's not the flying that's dangerous, it's the coming back down, lol. My father, who cut his flying teeth as a B24 pilot during WWII will not fly unless he is at the controls.

Very interesting article about about DVT. I get up fairly regularly during the flight and walk around not only for that reason but because I have (or had before going GF!) chondromalacia. Ever since that healthy young reporter dropped dead a few years ago after flying to Iraq, DVT has been on the tip of my mind when flying. Stroke is in the recent ancestry on both sides of my family, and it's hard for me to give blood because I only go half a bag or so before my blood coagulates.

I fly fairly often--one of the penalties of living in the PNW when my family is in the Midwest and East--so I much appreciate you posting this article. I already take many of the supplements recommended, thankfully, but I am going to buy Gatorade or something like that to take on board instead of water, and do the foot-flexing exercises. Very informative! Thanks, Tex! [/b]

[Gloria]

Very interesting article, Tex.

I've always been concerned about deep vein thrombosis because my father died of a stroke at age 67 after having blood clots to his intestines. My mother had a stroke when she was 69. I'm 65 and it feels like the clock is ticking.

I have had surface-vein thrombosis, which isn't a serious concern, according to the doctor. One occurred after a flight. I always get up and walk around when I fly. When we flew to Hawaii I was up walking around every hour or so, all night long.

According to this article, however, that isn't the most important prevention to use.

Wear properly fitting flight hose designed to be tight around the ankle, pressure gradually reducing further up the calf. This is the single most effective preventive measure.

I think I'll be buying a pair of flight socks for future travel.

Thanks for posting the article.

Gloria

[mzh]

Wonderful advice, Gloria!