Blood clots in the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis or DVT, have been linked to long airplane rides. According to National Public Radio, or NPR, the risk during long distance flying, defined as over four hours, rises two to three-fold over normal rates of developing this condition. About one in 4,500 travelers develop a dangerous blood clot in the legs during long-haul flights each year.
Cause
National Public Radio explains that deep vein thrombosis can occur in any situation where the person remains immobile for long periods of time, including long car rides and bed rest, in addition to the long airplane rides where DVT is common. Dehydration caused by the dry air of a plane and reduced oxygen are other contributing factors, according to Science Daily.
Complications
While a blood clot in the legs can be painful on its own, the true danger comes if the clot dislodges from the vein and travels to the lungs. In the lungs, a blood clot can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is fatal 20 to 25 percent of the time, according to NPR. Long term swelling of the affected limb is another possible complication of blood clots that develop during airline travel.
Risk Factors
Longer flights raise the risk of developing DVT, with flights over 12 hours being 70 times as dangerous as flights under four hours, according to NPR. Some individuals, such as those who are overweight and people who have recently had surgery, may be more prone to developing blood clots during air travel. Taking more than five flights within a three-month period also raises the risk of developing a clot.
Prevention
The main method of preventing a blood clot during airplane travel is to spend time walking around on the plane, preferably every two hours during the flight. If turbulence or other conditions prevent passengers from standing up and moving around, frequently stretching the legs can keep the blood flowing in the lower extremities. Another option to help prevent DVT is to wear compression stockings, special stockings that promote blood flow in the legs by compressing the lower calf.
Treatment
Treatment for a blood clot that developed during flight involves immediate administration of a blood thinner, typically heparin, explains Medline Plus. Another blood thinner, such as warfarin, is then given and may be continued either until the risk of clotting decreases or for the rest of the patient's life. After warfarin treatment has been established, generally after 24 hours, the doctor will typically stop giving the patient heparin. These drugs prevent the clot from growing and make it less likely that new clots will form. Over time, the body usually dissolves the existing clot itself. In the case of large, persistent or particularly dangerous clots, clot-busting medication or surgery to remove the clot may be required.
References
- National Public Radio:Move Around on Long Flights to Prevent Blood Clots
- AORN Journal: Deep vein thrombosis and airline travel - the deadly duo - Clinical
- Medline Plus: Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Science Daily: Cardiovascular Risks: Venous Thromboembolism Risk Increases Up To Four Fold With Long-Haul Flights
