DVT

DVT

abbr.

deep venous thrombosis

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DVT,

abbreviation for deep vein thrombosis.

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DVT

 Deep vein thrombosis, see there

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Patient discussion about DVT.

Q. How can I prevent blood clots? I am 45 years old and am supposed to go on a business trip overseas. The flight itself is 12 hours long and then I have to continue traveling by bus. Could this cause me to have blood clots? If so, how can I prevent it?

A. Sitting or laying in one position for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing DVT- deep vein thrombosis. Here are some methods to prevent it:
Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly:
Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when you are seated.
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
Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do so.
If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refueling.
Consider buying a leg exerciser for the journey.
Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).
Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility.)
Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.
Consider wearing compression stockings.
Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication by their Dr.

Q. Are long flights dangerous? I'm flying next week to my vacation, and the flight is going to be rather long (almost 16 hours non-stop). Several years ago, my 75 years-old aunt had blood clot in her lung after a flight of similar length. I also heard that during flight the blood in the legs clots and that it can cause after that problems with the lungs and breathing. Does this mean it's dangerous for me to fly? Should I change my ticket to shorter connection flights?

A. Long flights, especially when seating in crowded cabins without moving the legs for long periods can cause the blood in you legs to clot and after that to move to your lungs and damage them. You may try to move your legs during the flights (like getting up and walking a little etc.) This video has some suggestions:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_mte4WsVZUk

Q. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions regarding aerobic exercise post DVT and/or PE?

A. drink a lot of water and be aware. if you take your meds i think there shouldn't be a problem, but i strongly recommend asking your physician about it. he knows you and the problem and can give you a much much better answer.