DVT Information DVT Prevention

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So what is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)??? - Deep vein thrombosis (commonly known as DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, usually in the leg. It is a disease of the circulation and occurs most often in people who have not been able to exercise normally. The blood passing through the deepest veins in the calf or thigh flows relatively slowly, when a DVT occurs it moves so slowly that it forms a solid clot which becomes wedged in the vein.

‘Economy Class Syndrome’ DVT may develop during a long haul flight and has been dubbed ‘economy class syndrome’ because the cheaper seats in a plane have less legroom, which in turn is minimal leg movement. There is particular risk with air traveller's' because of the combination of inactivity and dehydration, which makes the blood more sticky, so make sure you drink enough water. More recent studies show all air classes at risk through lack of exercise.
However it is not just air traveller's' that are at risk, some studies have shown that long car and train journeys can have the same effect, so even if you are going on a long car journey make sure you have a stop get out and walk around.
Those at risk...It is important to remember that DVT is not just confined to long haul flights and economy class, business class are also at risk if not moving around. Other issues such as narrowed or blocked veins, in which blood gathers and clots can cause DVT . This can be brought on by an injury to the vein following surgery or radiation therapy. DVT can also be occur during pregnancy, as there is an increased tendency for the blood to clot (a natural mechanism to prevent excessive bleeding during child birth) DVT can also present itself as a result of severe infection, liver disease and some cancers. People with an increased risk of DVT when flying are those who have the blood clotting disorder Factor V Leiden, people over 40, pregnant women, those who have recently had surgery, (especially to the lover limbs or abdomen), smokers,and those taking the contraceptive pill or on HRT.

What are the symptoms? Quite often there are no symptoms at all. Where they do exist, there maybe pain, tenderness and redness to the affected area, and raised skip temperature which is warmer than usual to touch. Sudden swelling in one leg may be the first sign. There could also be rapid heart beat and or a fever. Occasionally some of the surface veins are more visible through the skin. There may also be pain on flexing the foot upwards.

How can DVT be detected? DVT’s are most commonly detected nowadays by use of ultrasound, scientists say they can now use this method to detect even the smallest of clots. If the doctor does suspect DVT he will usually request an urgent ultrasound and order blood tests.

How dangerous is it? DVT’s themselves are not life threatening, but they are associated with complications that can be fatal. If the blood clot moves and travels to the lungs (called a pulmonary embolism) it can be more serious.

What happens is a piece of the clot lodged in the leg vein breaks of and travels through the body to the lungs, where it becomes lodged again causing severe breathing difficulties. Untreated it can be fatal.
More rarely, a part of the clot may also lodge in other organs including the brain, where it leads to a stroke.
One less serious complication is post-thrombotic syndrome, which affect many people after a DVT, due to damage to the valves along the length of the vein. It can cause pain and swelling and ulceration of the skin around the area.

How is DVT treated? Around two thirds of people with a DVT need to be cared for in hospital in the initial stages. The aim is to dissolve the clot and, in the longer term, prevent other clots from forming. The main treatment for DVT or similar problems with clotting of the blood is medicines which will thin the blood and allow it to flow more easily. When undergoing treatment you should let the doctor know immediately if you have a chest pain, this may be a sign of pulmonary thrombosis.
Once you have been treated successfully for DVT, you can help prevent further clots by following these measures: •avoid knee socks or hosiery that may restrict the blood flow •do not cross ankles or legs while sitting or lying •raise the foot of your bed to lift the legs at night •keep your feet higher than your hips when sitting •avoid adopting one position when standing or sitting for too long • whilst resting, keep moving your legs and bending your ankles and toes.

• When on the flight ensure you get up and walk
around as often as possible, or use a special foot
cushion so you can exercise whilst seated, or
  you could just do simple foot exercises by
  rotating the ankles and wiggling the toes.

• Drink plenty of water on the flight to stay
  hydrated and avoid alcohol.

• Wear compression stockings or socks

• Taking a low dose of aspirin before you fly thins
the blood and cuts the risk of a clot, but always
consult your doctor if you are on medication.
  Do not take if you have stomach ulcers.

•It is also a good idea to wear flight socks or stockings on long car journeys.

•Don’t forget to take a break on long car journeys as well, there are always plenty of service stations open 24 hours a day so do stop and walk around in a safe area for a few minutes just to stretch your legs.

Factor V (5) Leiden is the presence of a particular gene that is passed on from your parents. People carrying the Factor V Leiden gene have a five times greater risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis) than the rest of the population. However many people with the gene will never suffer from blood clots.
Factor V Leiden is Inherited from our parents as with all inherited characteristic, we inherit one gene from each parent, so it is possible to inherit •two normal genes or one factor V Leiden gene and one normal gene •or two Factor V Leiden genes. Inheriting one of the genes does give a slightly higher risk of developing thrombosis, but inheriting both makes the risk much greater.
What are the symptoms of Factor V Leiden? There are no signs, unless you have a blood clot (thrombosis)
How does the doctor know if you have Factor V Leiden? The Factor V Leiden gene can only be detected through having a blood test, however these are not routinely done.
Greater risk factors - being overweight and smoking greatly increase the risk of blood clots, and women carrying the Factor V Leiden gene should not take the contraceptive pill as this could significantly increase the chance of getting thrombosis. If in any doubt consult your doctor.
Factor V Leiden and pregnancy - If you are pregnant and carrying the factor V Leiden gene you should speak to your doctor.

DVT - Deep Vein thrombosis is becoming a concern for everybody who travels, no matter what age you are... There are many conflicting studies of how many people this effects and nobody yet knows the true extent of this problem. However all studies say wearing Flight Socks or stockings reduces the risk of getting DVT

VARDA - VICTIMS OF AIR RELATED DVT ASSOCIATION

If you know anybody, or you yourself have been effected by DVT whilst flying you can visit the VARDA web site which is an organisation set up to offer support to victims of flight related DVT and raises awareness of the health risks of flying. Visit www.varda.org