What is the best way to prevent deep vain thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights?

Question

So, how to avoid getting a blood clot (or clots) which put your life at risk potentially?

Answer 1

Most long haul flights now give you socks to put on that help with DVT but you still need to get up every so often and have a walk up and down the aisle, while your sat down you can wiggle your toes and do the circles with your feet too, have a great holiday.

Answer 2

Move your toes, and your feet, and most important get out of your seat and take walks up and down the length of the aircraft.

Better still fly First Class!

Answer 3

get up and move around as much as poss

Answer 4

On a long flight I usually take about 10 minutes every 2-3 hours to get up and walk to the back to go the bathroom and stretch. Just to get the blood flowing.

Answer 5

get yourself some knee high travel socks that are tight fitting - pharmacies supply these at no great cost. make sure you spend some time on your feet during the flight, i.e don't spend it sitting down. exercise feet while sitting to increase blood supply.

hope this helps

Answer 6

Firstly, check out what risk category you are in, you can look at this by googling DVT risks.  Usually things that put you in a higher category include if you smoke, if you are on the pill, if you have had thrombosis or thrombosis is in your family, if you are over 35 etc.

What I tend to do is I take an aspirin prior to flying  which was recommended to me by my doctor, however, check though as not everyone is able to take aspirin, also I wear flight socks which are available in most chemists.  

When flying, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself re-hydrated, and periodically get up and walk around on the plane.  Also, exercise your feet and ankles whilst sitting in your seat.  Do this periodically throughout the flight.

If it's been a long flight, I usually will take an aspirin again on the night after landing and do the same on the return journey.

If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or ring the NHS direct (providing you are in the U.K).  Also, you will find lots of tips on the internet by googling DVT.

Hope this helps

Answer 7

Andy is right. You can also keep moving your toes and ankles whilst you are sat down.

Answer 8

As above, also take asprin - it thins the blood

Answer 9

Drink lots of water. Try to get up and walk around regularly. Wear special socks/tights.

It is extremely rare despite all the media hype.