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What is travel-related DVT?
 Long journeys (more than four hours) by plane, train, etc, are thought to cause a slightly increased risk of DVT. This is probably due to sitting immobile and cramped for long periods. In plane journeys, in addition to the immobility, other factors which may possibly play a part (but are not proven) include: the reduced cabin pressure; reduced oxygen levels in the plane; slight dehydration caused by not drinking much water, and drinking too many alcoholic drinks which are often freely available.
It has to be stressed that the vast majority of travellers have no problems. The increased risk of DVT from travel is small. Research studies suggest that there is about one DVT for every 6000 journeys that last four hours or more. Also, it is difficult to rule out that the people who have a DVT after a journey would have had one anyway and the journey was a coincidence. (DVT is quite a common condition in the general population anyway.) Nevertheless, it is wise to try and reduce the risk, particularly if you are in any of the other 'at risk' groups listed above.
What can I do to reduce the risk of travel-related DVT?
Whilst travelling on a long journey, particularly on a long-haul plane trip:
- Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly:
- Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when you are seated.
- Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase the blood flow in your legs
- Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do so.
- If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refueling.
- Consider buying a leg exerciser for the journey (see below).
- Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).
- Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility.)
- Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.
- Consider wearing compression stockings (see below).
- Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication (see below).
Elastic compression stockings
 There is some evidence to suggest that compression stockings can help to prevent travel related DVT. Many doctors recommend that you wear them if you are in any of the 'at risk' groups listed above. Some doctors advise that all adults should wear them on long-haul flights. You can buy the stockings from pharmacies. Ask the pharmacist for advice about the correct sort. They need to be 'graduated compression' stockings, worn to the knee, with the correct amount of compression (class 2). The slight pressure from the stocking helps to prevent blood 'pooling' in the calf. Stockings do not replace the need for regular exercises. They are in addition to exercises. |
