3 Ways To Reduce Your Risk For In-Flight Deep Vein Thrombosis
While you're enjoying a leisurely flight, the last thing you want to worry about is the development of a blood clot in your leg, or deep vein thrombosis. While a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, can occur anytime, it may be more likely to develop on long trips in an airplane. While blood clots in your legs cannot be entirely prevented while in the air, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are three things you can do in an airplane to help diminish your chances of developing a deep vein thrombosis:
Perform Ankle Circles
The ankle circle exercise may help you ward off a blood clot in your leg. While sitting in your airplane seat, raise both your feet off the ground and make circle motions with them. By twirling your feet in this manner, you are helping to improve your circulation so that blood flow is brisk in your veins.
When you sit for long periods of time without walking or exercising your lower extremities, blood may pool and become stagnate inside your vessels. This can heighten your risk for a DVT, which can cause redness, increased warmth over the affected area, inflammation, and pain. In some cases, the blood clot can break off, travel through your veins, and lodge in your heart or lungs. This is a medical emergency which can lead to respiratory or cardiac failure, difficulty breathing, chest pain, unconsciousness, and even death.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Air inside an airplane cabin can be very dry, which can lead to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, you may be at greater risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis. To lower this risk, drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages, preferably water.
While coffee and cola do count as fluids, they contain caffeine, and if you drink too much caffeine, urinary frequency may occur which can cause dehydration. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water also helps enhance circulation and adequate blood flow. Also, keep in mind, that while you may wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two during your flight, doing so may also lead to dehydration, raising your risk for a DVT.
Take An Aspirin
Aspirin is often recommended to those who are at high risk for heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. It is a powerful anticoagulant, which means that it helps prevent blood clots, including those in your legs. If you do not have an aspirin allergy and are able to tolerate aspirin, consider taking a tablet prior to boarding the aircraft.
Doing so will help inhibit platelet aggregation, which means that your blood will become less sticky and less likely to clot. If you take any other medications or have preexisting medical conditions, talk to your doctor prior to taking aspirin.
If you notice pain, swelling, redness, or an increase in temperature in your calf or other area of your leg, see your doctor. These may be signs of a deep vein thrombosis, which may lead to serious health conditions if not quickly recognized and addressed. When promptly treated, the prognosis for DVT is excellent. For more information, visit a clinic like Elite Vein Centers.
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