Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis.

What is a Deep Vein Thrombosis.



A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep
leg veins. These veins are blood vessels which go through the calf
and thigh muscles, and are not those which can be seen just below
the skin. The clot that forms in the leg vein usually remains stuck to
the wall of the vein and after a while the symptoms gradually settle.
However there are two serious consequences which can occur as a result
of a deep vein thrombosis.

1,If the thrombus, or blood clot, partially or completely blocks the flow of blood
through the vein then blood begins to pool and build-up below the site.
This may result in chronic swelling and pain. The valves in the blood
vessels may be damaged,which in turn could lead to venous hypertension and a person's
ability to live a full, active life may thus be impaired.

2 A more fatal consequence of a deep veined thrombosis is a pulmonary
embolism. This occurs when the thrombus or clot breaks free, travels through
the veins and eventually reaches the lungs where it is called a pulmonary embolism.
This is a potentially fatal condition which can kill within hours.

There are various factors that put people at greater risk of a DVT such
as obesity, taking the contraceptive pill,pregnacy, having an existing heart problem,
or cancer, being immobile due to injury or illness, but the risk factor that
concerns us here is a lengthy journey in cramped conditions.

Long journeys of more than 4 hours duration by plane, train, etc, are
thought to cause a slightly increased risk of DVT. This is probably
due to sitting immobile and cramped for long periods. On plane
journeys, in addition to the immobility, other factors which may
possibly play a part (but are not proven) include: reduced cabin
pressure; reduced oxygen levels in the plane; slight dehydration
as a result of not drinking much water and drinking too many alcoholic
drinks as these are often freely available.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Deep Vein Thrombosis.

One of the most important preventative measures is to exercise your calf and foot
muscles reguarly.You can do this by:-
1, Bending your legs, feet and toes
every half hour or so whilst you are in a seated position.

2,Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or
foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase the blood flow in
your legs.

3, Walk up and down the aircraft every hour or so.

4,If you have a fuelling stop and are allowed to disembark then be sure to do so
and spend the time moving around.

5,Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).

6,Aviod too much alcohol as this has the duel effect of causing dehydration and
also immobility.

7,Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.

8,Consider wearing compression stockings, the slight pressure from
the stocking prevents the blood from pooling in the calf, however they do
not replace the need to exercise during the flight.

9,If you consider yourself to be at high risk then it maybe
a good idea to ask your doctor for a heparin anti-coagulant
injection before you fly.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak, the owner of target="-blank">www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com
a site specializing in holiday apartments and villas on the Costa del Sol and in Rural
Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalalucia
in particular.