Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot, or thrombus, that develops in deep veins such as those in the leg. These are most common in damaged veins, or in veins where blood flow in constricted, usually during long haul flights due to a lack of exercise or movement.

DVT can also occur in veins in the arms or pelvis, although not as often. DVT can cause pain and complications from floating blood clots that may enter the lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Symptons

Symptoms include leg pain or swelling, tenderness of leg tissue, increased leg warmth and increase in redness. This most likely occurs only in one leg or extremity. Common causes of or contributing factors to DVT include age, obesity, smoking, family history and prior history.

Diagnosis and treatment

Early diagnosis is often difficult, requiring venography (injected radiographic material injected into a foot vein) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, treatment and preventative action is key to dealing with DVT.

While treatment options such as anticoagulants can stop existing blood clots from growing and new ones from forming, and thrombolytic agents can dissolve blood clots, the best means to combat DVT is prevention.

Exercise and be healthy

Regular exercise of extremities, even for those that may suffer from paralysis, is essential in maintaining proper blood flow. Likewise, compression elastic garments for extremities will help. Read the paragraph below which highlights useful resources and tips for travellers.

Is DVT life threatening

First of all, DVT is not always dangerous - it is perfectly possible to have a small DVT without even being aware of it. The condition only becomes dangerous, or even fatal, if the blood clot becomes big enough to cause obstruction within the most important of the body’s large veins.

Particularly those that take blood from the heart to the lungs. The deep veins of the legs and pelvis are large, so clots forming within these veins can be of a considerable size, making them potentially hazardous if they move.

Travelling and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Although the added risk of developing DVT on a long journey seems to be low, there are some measures you can take. Wherever possible, you should take short walks, walk up and down the aisle and exercise the muscles of your lower legs, which act as a pump for the blood in the veins.

Useful resources

BUPA guide
NHS Direct guide
Wikipedia on Deep Vein Thrombosis

The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.