VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

We go on long trips by plane more and more often. We are more willing to visit the farthest corners of the world and learn about new cultures. And although we learn from time to time about cases of sudden death during the flight, we often do not even think about what caused the death. However, it turns out that flying in a plane increases the risk of blood clots.

By definition, venous thrombosis is a blood clot in the veins that causes the blood flow to decrease or stop. According to statistics, about 60 thousand. cases of deep vein thrombosis. It is most often found in deep veins, that is in the area of ​​the thighs, lower legs and hips.

Airplane flight distance and thrombosis risk

Studies have shown that the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases 2-3 times during flights longer than 4 hours.

Fortunately, shorter journeys - less than 4 hours - are much less dangerous. It is worth bearing in mind that the risk of thrombosis remains for two weeks after landing.

Long journeys by plane, but also by bus, train or car are associated with immobilization and hence blood stagnation in the veins, which may result in leg swelling and the development of life-threatening deep vein thrombosis.

  • Blood stagnation caused by many hours of sitting. Blood flow in the extremities is reduced, and after 8 hours of travel, the production of thrombin increases, which is necessary for the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin, which has a direct influence on the formation of a clot.
  • During a long flight in an airplane, the endothelium may be damaged as a result of hypoxia. Low partial air pressure in an airplane is about 120 mmHg, and at sea level it is about 160 mmHg. As a result of such a low air pressure in the plane, there is a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and a decrease in saturation, which in turn damages endothelial cells. There is a decrease in fibrinolytic activity, i.e. the body's defense against the formation of blood clots in the veins.
  • During an airplane flight, hypercoagulability, i.e. an increase in blood density, may occur as a result of reduced air humidity.

Thrombotic disease risk factors

The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis increases with:

  • passengers over 60,
  • overweight people,
  • pregnant women,
  • people suffering from congenital blood clotting disorders,
  • people with varicose veins,
  • people struggling with cancer,
  • people with heart disease,
  • stroke passengers,
  • passengers after recent operations,
  • heavy smokers.

Thrombotic prevention during the flight

People at risk should consult a doctor who may recommend taking a blood-thinning drug before traveling by plane for many hours. Low molecular weight heparin is the most effective anticoagulant preparation.

When traveling, it is advisable to wear special stockings, knee-length socks or compression socks, which can be purchased at a medical store, pharmacy or at the airport.

Knee-length socks or compression socks are usually knee-length. They work by gently applying pressure to the leg and ankle, which helps blood flow. Additionally, travelers should wear loose-fitting, sweatshirt clothes with no ankle cuffs.

It is not recommended to wear clothes that press on the thighs, calves and groin area in a sitting position. In addition, special attention should be paid to an adequate supply of fluids to prevent dehydration of the body.

During the flight, it is better to give up drinking alcohol and drinking coffee. Whenever possible, it's a good idea to get up regularly and take a walk on the plane. Isometric exercises such as straightening and bending your feet for five minutes every three hours are also helpful. Avoid crossing your legs and arms.

Category:

Cardiology