Long flight...how do I prevent DVT?

Question

I'm going to Japan in May, and the flight is about 14 hours long from New York to Narita Airport. I've taken this flight before, but I'm kind of worried I'll get DVT this time. I'm kind of a hypochondriac, so I don't want to have to worry about getting this while I'm in Japan.

What are some things you can do to help prevent DVT, especially on long flights? Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

If you don't have a blood disorder or stomach problems you could take an asprin the night before and the morning of the flight. It is a gentle blood thinner and reduces the risk of clots.
You could wear support panti-hose. You put these on before you do anything else on the day of the flight and they help prevent blood pooling in the legs. Guys can wear them under pants.
Wear something with a loose waistband (to improve blood flow), and do not wear tight shoes or socks on the flight. Feet tend to swell.
Wiggle the toes and rotate the ankles as you sit there. If you can take short walks up and down the isle. Both keep the circulation going well.
Lastly RELAX!!!

Answer 2

Start taking a very low dose of aspirin a couple of weeks before your flight. Drink plenty of fluids during the flight, and get up and walk around every half hour. You also might like to wear the special DVT prevention stockings. My sister had a DVT, and she does all the above to prevent a recurrence.

Answer 3

Hi,
Treatment of DVTs is intended to prevent the development of a pulmonary embolus and to prevent recurrent DVT.

The standard treatment has been a medication called heparin that prevents clot formation. This is given through the vein. This results in relatively immediate anticoagulation and treatment of the clot. Along with heparin an oral medication called warfarin is given. The warfarin is usually continued for approximately six months. In almost all circumstances warfarin should not be initiated until heparin has been started.

Because heparin is given as a continuous intravenous infusion, it requires hospitalisation. However, newer forms of heparin, known as low molecular weight heparin (usually enoxaparin) can be used in some circumstances. This heparin can be given by injection once or twice a day and, thus, can shorten or eliminate the need for hospitalisation.

If deep vein thrombosis is recognised early and treated properly, it will usually resolve itself without complication. If left untreated, however, it can cause severe complications, which may be fatal.

DVT can be prevented by following methods.

Once you have been treated for DVT, you can help prevent further clots from forming by the following measures:
avoid knee socks or hosiery that might limit blood flow through the leg

do not cross ankles or legs while sitting or lying

avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position

while resting, keep moving your legs, and bending your ankles and toes.

drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid alcohol, to ensure you do not become dehydrated.

Anticoagulants may be prescribed as a preventive measure for high risk people or people undergoing high risk surgical procedures. Minimize immobility of the legs during long plane trips or car trips.

Answer 4

Get up and walk around as often as possible, every hour or so. This will keep the blood flowing as it should and help to prevent DVT.

Answer 5

Get up us much as you can and walk up and down the isles.
Move your fet and ankles.
DVT occurs from not enough movement in the bloodstream and so causes clots.
Most flights now have a sheet in the seat to help explain what you can do to prevent DVT.
If not ask the Flight Attendants.

Answer 6

a good preventative is by getting up and walking around the plane for a few minutes every hour or so. you might look a bit odd but it gets the blood in your legs moving.

Answer 7

move your legs about,get up and move about the plane, if you can and are not sensitive to it take a aspirin before your flight (acts as a blood thinner!!)

Answer 8

Get lots of rest and relax.