Wearing Compression Stockings can Help Prevent Blood Clots During Flights

Blood clots can quickly turn into a dangerous situation if they break loose and travel through the veins in your body where they can possibly get lodged in your lungs, which is also referred to as having a pulmonary embolism.  An embolism of the lungs (PE) is a potentially life threatening condition and requires very urgent medical treatment.

A blood clot that stays at the location where it formed is called a thrombus.  A blood clot that detaches itself and travels through the veins is called an embolus.

What are blood clots?  In simple terms, a blood clot is blood that clumps together.  What is deep vein thrombosis?  DVT is a clump of blood that in many cases forms in the deeper veins of the legs, the groin or the arms.  What is a pulmonary embolism?  A PE is a blood clot that has been dislodged somewhere in the veins and has traveled to your lungs.

This illustration shows a human body with the heart and veins, as well as the abdominal area and down into the legs.

The enlarged oval with the arrow pointing to a vein in the groin area shows a close-up of a blood clot in the vein and swelling in the area.

Blood clots can form in any of the deeper veins of the body. They occur most often in the legs, groin or in the arms.

CAUTION!! If you think you have a blood clot call your doctor or emergency medical care provider immediately or go to the emergency room now!

How do you determine whether you may have a blood clot? If you have a blood clot in the deeper veins (deep vein thrombosis) you may most likely experience the following:

• Pain or soreness in your arm or leg.
• Redness on your skin.
• Swelling in your leg or arm.
• An abnormally warm area on your leg.

If a blood clot may have traveled to your lungs you may suddenly exhibit the following symptoms:

• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Fainting.
• Mild fever.
• Accelerated heartbeat.
• Coughing with or without blood

What are the Most Common Causes and Risk Factors of Blood Clots? Blood clots can form if you have to spend long periods of time in confined spaces where you do not have a chance to move around.  In addition, there is a host of other reasons and circumstances that can lead to getting a blood clot such as:

• Obesity
• Advanced age (65 and older)
• Recent surgery
• Broken bones (e.g. leg, hip or pelvis)
• Cancer and its treatments
• Recent surgery
• A serious bump or bruise
• Hormone treatment (e.g. birth control pills)
• Confinement to a chair or bed ridden
• Experiencing a stroke or being paralyzed
• Varicose veins and other venous issues
• Implanted ports in your body to receive medicine
• Heart problems
• You or a family member having a history of a blood clot
• Long distance travel by plane, train, bus or car

What can you do to prevent Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?

By following these tips you can help to reduce the risk of blood clots:

• Stay active, change your position often (especially if you are traveling for long periods of time or if your work requires you to stand or sit for many hours).
• Wear special compression stockings or compression pantyhose as recommended by your health care provider.
• Perform exercises as recommended by your physician.
• Wear loose fitting clothing, socks, or stockings.
• Raise your legs up when you get a chance (at least 6 inches above your heart).
• Eat less salt.
• Try not to bump or hurt your legs in any way.
• Don’t put pillows under your knees.
• Raise the bottom of your bed up 4-6 inches.
• Take all your prescription medications.

CAUTION!! If you think you have a blood clot call your doctor or emergency medical care provider immediately or go to the emergency room now!

Blood Clot Treatment

If your doctor has told you that you have a blood clot he may give you blood thinning medication to treat it.  Blood thinners (also called anticoagulants) prevent the blood from clotting.  Initially the blood thinner medication will be injected under the skin where it works quickly.  Usually these injections are given for a week or so and anticoagulant pills will be given in addition.  In most cases you will have to continue taking the pill form of the blood thinner medication for another 3-6 months or longer based on the findings and recommendations of your physician.

Like most medications blood thinners can have side effects.  Therefore your doctor will watch you closely.  The most common problem with blood thinners is bleeding.  If you notice something wrong or unusual inform your health care provider immediately.

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