Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, which occurs when blood gets thick and clumps up. These clots mostly occur in the lower leg or the thigh, but they can also occur elsewhere in the body. A blood clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream until it gets to a narrow vessel, perhaps in the lungs, and causes a pulmonary embolism. It can lodge in other organs, too.
Many things can increase the chance of developing blood clots, including use of the contraceptive pill or HRT, injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone or other trauma, slow blood flow from lack of movement that may occur after surgery, if someone is bedridden, or immobile from prolonged air, coach or car travel.
DVT is sometimes referred to as Economy Class Syndrome in the media, although it affects every class of airfare: everyone on board breathes the same recycled, oxygen-depleted air throughout the flight. The resulting poor oxygenation of your body is a risk factor for DVT, but the airlines justify the lower concentrations of oxygen because it saves money on fuel.
Pregnancy and the first six weeks after birth are times of increased risk, as are being older than 60, being overweight or obese. People currently or recently receiving treatment for cancer are also more vulnerable to blood clotting. Ten percent of the world’s population have inherited conditions such as ‘Factor V Leiden’ that increase blood’s tendency to clot. If you have more than one of the risk factors listed your risk level rises.
That said, DVT affects people of all ages, fitness levels, and conditions so it is important that everyone is aware of it. The symptoms of DVT are swellings in the leg or along a vein in the leg, pain or tenderness in the leg, which is felt when standing or walking, increased warmth in the area, and red or discoloured skin on the leg. See your doctor if you experience any of these. However, only about half the people with DVT have symptoms; others don’t even know they have it until complications develop.
As always, prevention is the best option. Discuss your particular risk factors with your GP. When going on long flights or rides wear compression stockings, frequently stretch your legs, or get up and move around the cabin, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and regularly do some deep breathing exercises to keep up a healthy concentration of oxygen in your body. Awareness followed by action is the best way to avoid DVT.