- sudden swelling in the legs
- enlargement of the superficial veins of the legs (i.e, surface veins may be more visible through the skin)
- reddish-blue discoloration of the skin
- skin that is warm to the touch around the area of the DVT
- pain or tenderness in the leg when the foot is flexed upward
The signs of a pulmonary embolism include
- instant sweating
- sudden pallor
- persistent chest pain
- breathlessness
Many studies have noted that 70% to 90% of those who experienced pulmonary embolism have associated conditions or risk factors, including cancer, obesity, varicose veins or a family history. However, either condition can affect anyone, regardless of general health.
Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Reduced air pressure can lead to abdominal distension acting against the venous blood return from the legs.
- The reduced oxygen and pressure leads to increased blood clotting tendencies.
- Low humidity affects the body fluid content, and excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee in flight can lead to dehydration. Thicker blood from decreased fluid intake coupled with water loss in a dry cabin adds to the problem of dehydration and clot formation.
- Lack of movement whilst in flight and cramped conditions.
- Pressure on the edge of the seat can compress the veins in legs.
- Alcohol and caffeine contribute to dehydration and thicker blood, leading to increased risk.
- Crossing legs
- Taking sleeping pills or long periods of sleep on the journey, leading to less movement.
- Use of oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgery
- Smoking
- Stress and fear of flying
How to avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Wear compression stockings
- Take some guarana capsules
- Walk and stretch every hour
- Exercise the calf and leg muscles regularly
- Find a roomy seat with maximum leg room (if possible)
- Drink water and avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration
- Wear loose clothing, take your shoes off and elevate your feet if possible, but don't cross your legs
- Take regular, deep breaths
- Take guarana to thin your blood
At the University of Cincinnatti in the United States a research project on Guarana found that Guarana has the ability to ‘thin the blood’, much as daily aspirin does, but without the deleterious side effects for the stomach and intestinal tract. Guarana not only helps to prevent the aggregation of blood corpuscles, but also can de-aggregate groups that have already formed.
These American findings became the basis of a US patent, and they confirm an earlier report by a doctor at the Copenhagen State Hospital, who gave Guarana to hospital staff — particularly night staff — and not only measured higher energy levels throughout duty periods but also lower levels of fibrinogen (fibrous matter that can form in the blood and which is associated with stress and stroke).
These and other studies show that Guarana is not just as a superb energy tonic, and useful for jetlag, but can also be used to help prevent DVT.
Diagnosis
An untreated pulmonary embolism can kill up to one in 10 people. Immediate identification and treatment is therefore essential. One in four people who develop blood clots after airplane travel are misdiagnosed by Doctors or sent away with bad advice, such as told to seek physical therapy or simply take a hot bath. Many days can pass before DVT symptoms appear, so recent air flight passengers usually end up consulting their general practitioner who may not be aware of recent flight history.
