Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
- An increased rate of DVT is evident after travel of 4 hours or more.
- Risk is higher in those with other risk factors (chronic disease, smoking, obesity, oral contraceptive pill, past DVT).
- Aspirin for low risk patients.
- Low molecular weight heparin for moderate risk travellers.
- Walk up the aisle every 30 minutes and during stop-overs - and avoid dehydration.
- Elevating the legs, where seats make this possible, and exercises will reduce dependent oedema.
- People should not fly after a DVT until stable on anticoagulants.
