whats the correct medication for preventing DVT when flying long haul?

Question

i heard you can take an asprin but how often and how many?

Answer 1

Taking one asprin beforehand may help. But you shouldn't start a drug regimine without speaking first with your doctor. Here is a list of things to help prevent it:
Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing, don't let luggage cramp your leg room and avoid crossing your legs for prolonged periods. Move around in your seat, flex your ankles up and down and massage your calves every hour or so. Avoid sleeping for long stretches, drink plenty of water and don't overindulge in alcohol or caffeine. If you are at risk of developing DVT, wear a compression stocking and see your doctor about having an anti-coagulant injection. (While the blood-thinning properties of aspirin play an important role in the prevention of heart attack, there is still doubt about its efficiency in preventing DVT).

In addition, there are supplements which can be taken to help in aiding circulation of the blood. The herb ginko Biloba has been proven clinically to aid peripheral circulation, i.e., to the hands, feet and head. Research suggest that substances in fish called Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of blood clots by reducing blood triglyceride (a blood fat) levels and preventing blood platelets from clumping together to form clots. (New England Journal of Medicine, April 1997). Dr. Robert Vogel, Cardiologist University of Maryland, USA, reports "studies have found that fish oil supplements may help the blood vessels dilate, thin the blood and correct certain heart rhythm disturbances (Medical Tribune, June 4, 1999). A German team, led by Dr. Clemens von Schacky found that after two years of fish oil suplementation, the arteries of patients, on average, offered more room for blood flow that those taking a placebo (Anals of Internal Medicine, 1999, 130.554-62).

Omega-3 is found in fish such as salmon, sardines, swordfish, mackeral, halibut and also in the vegetarian source linseed oil. Other supplements that may also be beneficial include Bioflavornoids, which help protect and maintain capillary and connective tissue strength. these include rutin and hesperdin, which occur naturally and vitamin C in fruits and some vegetables and grains. Horsechestnut is a herb used to assist in treatment of varicous veins and numerous clinical trials have found it to be a safe and effective treatment for the relief of chronic venous insufficiency including oederma, pain, tenseness, inching and leg fatigue. If you are taking medicines to treat circulatory disorders, always seek advice from a health professional, as some drugs used to treat circulatory problems have been known to interact with certain herbs.

Answer 2

Take an aspirin an hour or so before you fly and wear flight socks, drink plenty of water and keep moving about on the flight, some people also say a good brisk walk for half an hour before you board the plane helps too.

Answer 3

Asprin...and wearing flight socks....I swear by it! Prior to this my ankles used to swell up even on a 2 hour flight! I took asprin for a couple of days before flying..and wore those socks..and hey presto..not even a hint of a swelling after a 10 hour flight!

Answer 4

Exercise i think, or some DVT stockings, just make sure you keep moving every couple of hours, walk down the isle to the front of the plane, then walk to the back.

Answer 5

Baby aspirin - one a day and start taking them maybe a week before you fly to thin your blood. Wear a pair of compression knee high socks, pick your knees up and down while sitting & also toe-heel stretches. Get up and walk the aisle & use the bathroom frequently to avoid bladder infection.

Answer 6

i think you are supposed to start takin it 3 days b4 u fly and i think its only one asprin a day over the 3 days just to thin your blood out

Answer 7

one a day with food a week before you start flying; just in case it isn't for you check with a GP because I think I'm right that this should not be taken by pregnant women who can fly up to around 31 weeks.

Answer 8

do ankle and knee exercises every half hour while seated
walk down the aisles regularly, or if travelling by car, stop frequently, get out and take a walk
wriggle toes frequently
drink plenty of water (one litre every five hours)
go easy on alcohol and caffeine
take aspirin (if advised by your doctor)
wear knee-high compression stockings (if advised by your doctor

Answer 9

One aspirin on long haul flights, you don't need any on short haul flights.

Answer 10

Rat poison works quite well I believe.