A blood clot forming in a vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis, is one of the risks of long distance flights.A blood clot in the lungs can cause a serious and potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism.A lot of airline passengers experience blood clot in-flight.If you have a medical condition or do a lot of long distance flights, the risk of blood clot is higher.Prepare for your flight and take precautions during and after it to reduce your risks.
Step 1: Know your risk.
Some people have a higher risk of blood clot or DVT than others.You may want to talk to your doctor about taking special precautions when traveling if you fall into one of the following categories.There are risk factors that include being older than 40, being overweight, taking hormone therapy, or smoking.
Step 2: Discuss your medication with your doctor.
If you have cancer, had a recent surgery, or have thrombophilia, you should consider an injection of anticoagulant medication.Depending on your medical history and condition, taking an anticoagulant medication such as heparin is one of the steps that could help.It is possible to thin your blood and make it less likely to clot on a flight.Ask your doctor if this is a good option for you.
Step 3: You should get compression stockings.
If you have an upcoming flight or are at risk of blood clot, compression stockings are a good lifestyle change.A graduated compression stocking is the type of stocking you should ask your doctor about.When used with regular exercise, they can help improve circulation by going all the way up to your knee.
Step 4: You can book an aisle seat.
An aisle seat will allow you to move your legs a bit more during the flight, which will help improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clot.If you book early you can get an aisle seat.You may be able to pay more for a row with extra leg room.It's another option to give yourself more space if you can afford it.
Step 5: Don't fly for long, uninterrupted flights.
People who travel for more than four hours are more likely to have blood clot.You will reduce your risk if you can take a vacation or attend an event closer to home.It is possible to meet friends, family or colleagues less than a four-hour flight away.If a long trip is necessary, break it up with stops in between and allow yourself a day or two to rest.You should give yourself a few hours of rest if it is not possible.You should stretch in this time.
Step 6: If they give you a window seat, ask to be re seated.
If you have been sitting in a window seat and are at risk of having a blood clot, you should tell the flight attendants.Ask one of the flight attendants if they could move you to an aisle seat.
Step 7: Your luggage should be stored overhead.
Carry on baggage should be placed in the overhead container.It will reduce the amount of room you have for stretching your legs if you put anything at your feet.
Step 8: Do not drink alcohol.
Alcohol can cause you to be immobile for a long period of time, so you should avoid it before and during your flight.Sleeping in an uncomfortable position could cause a blood clot.
Step 9: Don't take sleeping pills on flights.
You could get a blood clot if you take a sleeping pill.It's a good idea to avoid taking a sleeping pill.It's possible to take very short, ten-minute naps.
Step 10: Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
There is a water bottle with you.The flight attendant will refill it for you.You won't get adequate hydration if you rely on the small cups of water they give you during the flight.
Step 11: During the flight, take off your shoes.
It can help to take off your shoes.It will be easier to walk without shoes.
Step 12: Cross your legs during the flight.
It's a good idea to avoid crossing your legs during a long flight.The risk of a blood clot will increase if you cross your legs.
Step 13: Do foot stretches.
Put your toes back towards your chest.Point them towards the ground.For one set of foot stretches, repeat this exercise six to eight times.You should do this foot stretch every half hour.
Step 14: You should stretch your toes.
You should do a toe stretch by pressing your toes to the ground and then raising them up.Five to eight reps.After doing your foot stretch, you can do the toe stretch.
Step 15: Pull your knees together.
Pull your leg up to your chest.For 15 seconds, hold it.Let it go down to the floor.For one complete repetition, repeat the movement on your other side.During your flight, complete 10 reps.
Step 16: The balls of your feet should be pressed to the ground.
You should press the balls of your feet to the ground every now and then.Press down on the floor to increase circulation.
Step 17: Roll your feet.
Roll your ankle in a certain direction.Roll it in a clockwise direction.You have completed one repetition after rolling it in each direction.Six reps per foot.
Step 18: Lift up your legs.
Lift your legs off the ground.Lift them off the ground.You can hold them up for 30 seconds or more.Put your feet on the ground.This exercise is repeated six times.
Step 19: Go up and down the aisle.
You should walk up and down the aisles whenever the seat belt sign goes off.Walk slowly to make sure you are safe.You can stretch your legs by walking up and down the aisles.It's a good idea to get an aisle seat if you walk up and down the aisles every 20 minutes.
Step 20: After the trip, go for a walk.
It is important to take a walk after a long flight.It will help if you have to walk to pick up your luggage.When you get to your destination, you could take a walk outside.
Step 21: Seek medical help if you have a deep vein thrombosis.
If you feel pain in your feet or legs, you should seek medical attention.If there is no pain or unusual symptoms, you don't need to worry.It is not due to blood clotting and is normal with long flights.
Step 22: If you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, you should see a doctor.
A blood clot in your lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism.A blood clot can originate in a person's legs and travel to their lungs.If you experience any of the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, you should seek immediate medical attention.If you feel unwell, see a doctor.A blood clot can cause a pulmonary embolism.