Although it is very rare for a patient to develop DVT from a long flight, Dr. Bass explains that the following factors may contribute to blood clot formation:.
Anticoagulants would seem to be a simple solution to blood clotting, but when taken preoperatively, they can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding at surgery.
Bass explains that anticoagulants should only be given to patients who are known to be at high risk for clotting DVT, or pulmonary embolisms , either based on their medical history or their having a known genetic risk factor for clotting. A history of clotting and its resulting complications does not prohibit patients from traveling by air, however. A very long flight prior to surgery can increase the probability of complications for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements when preventive measures are neglected.
In orthopedic surgery, the cutting of bones prompts the body to respond by revving up its clotting system, a response that mirrors its reaction to a bodily injury. Due to the size of the bones involved in hip and knee replacements, there is a higher risk of blood clotting than other orthopedic surgeries. Bass also adds that in patients with hip fracture, the risk is further increased because of the immobilization of patients prior to surgery.
There is a risk of clotting for up to weeks after surgery for all patients, but flying long distances aggravates this problem further. Some inherited blood disorders such as factor V Leiden will do this. Hormone therapy or birth control pills also increase the risk of clotting. Injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone, or other trauma. Slow blood flow in a deep vein due to lack of movement.
Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after giving birth. Recent or ongoing treatment for cancer. A central venous catheter. This is a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatment. Older age. Overweight or obesity. Your risk for DVT increases if you have more than one of the risk factors listed above.
They include: Swelling of the leg, or along a vein in the leg Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking Increased warmth in the area of the leg that's swollen or painful Red or discolored skin on the leg Pulmonary Embolism Some people aren't aware of a deep vein clot until they have signs and symptoms of PE.
Signs and symptoms of PE include: Unexplained shortness of breath Pain with deep breathing Coughing up blood Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate also may be signs of PE. Diagnosis Your doctor will diagnose deep vein thrombosis DVT based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Medical History To learn about your medical history, your doctor may ask about: Your overall health Any prescription medicines you're taking Any recent surgeries or injuries you've had Whether you've been treated for cancer Physical Exam Your doctor will check your legs for signs of DVT, such as swelling or redness.
Common Tests The most common test for diagnosing deep vein blood clots is ultrasound. Your doctor also may recommend a D-dimer test or venography ve-NOG-rah-fee.
Treatment Doctors treat deep vein thrombosis DVT with medicines and other devices and therapies. The main goals of treating DVT are to: Stop the blood clot from getting bigger Prevent the blood clot from breaking off and moving to your lungs Reduce your chance of having another blood clot Medicines Your doctor may prescribe medicines to prevent or treat DVT. The following situations may change the length of treatment: If your blood clot occurred after a short-term risk for example, surgery , your treatment time may be shorter.
If you've had blood clots before, your treatment time may be longer. If you have certain other illnesses, such as cancer, you may need to take blood thinners for as long as you have the illness. Thrombin Inhibitors These medicines interfere with the blood clotting process. Thrombolytics Doctors prescribe these medicines to quickly dissolve large blood clots that cause severe symptoms.
Other Types of Treatment Vena Cava Filter If you can't take blood thinners or they're not working well, your doctor may recommend a vena cava filter. Graduated Compression Stockings Graduated compression stockings can reduce leg swelling caused by a blood clot. Talk with your doctor about how long you should wear compression stockings. If you're at risk for these conditions: See your doctor for regular checkups. Take all medicines as your doctor prescribes.
Get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after surgery or illness as your doctor recommends. Moving around lowers your chance of developing a blood clot. Exercise your lower leg muscles during long trips. This helps prevent blood clots from forming. Follow the steps above and: Take all medicines that your doctor prescribes to prevent or treat blood clots. Follow up with your doctor for tests and treatment.
Use compression stockings as your doctor directs to prevent leg swelling. During long trips, it may help to: Walk up and down the aisles of the bus, train, or airplane. If traveling by car, stop about every hour and walk around. Clots can move from the legs to the lungs and cause a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism. This device acts as a tiny basket, catching clots before they can lodge in the lungs and cause damage. A healthcare provider places these filters through a small incision in the groin or neck, then threads the filter into place in the inferior vena cava a large vein.
The filter may be in place temporarily or permanently. Blood clots after surgery can be a very serious complication. If you experience unexplained pain or a dramatic increase in pain after surgery , particularly in the legs, there could be an issue with blood clots. After surgery, safe is always better than sorry, especially when blood clots are a possibility.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Venous thromboembolism. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Your guide to preventing and treating blood clots. Updated August Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. In general, pulmonary embolism is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, after stroke and heart attack.
According to the American Lung Association, pulmonary embolism affects about 1 in 1, people in the United States every year. Experts generally consider the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism after surgery to be highest during the first 5 weeks after surgery.
A study found that the risk was highest between 1 and 6 weeks after surgery. The study included more than 60, middle-aged adults from a French patient database. For several types of surgery, the risk of pulmonary embolism remained elevated for 12 weeks in total. After 18 weeks, the researchers found no significant risk. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary depending on the size of the clot.
They can include:. Most people will experience some symptoms, but not everyone does initially. Pulmonary embolisms can be life threatening. If someone experiences any of the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, they should contact a doctor right away. Doctors use three methods to diagnose a pulmonary embolism: medical history, a physical exam, and medical imaging or blood tests.
During a physical exam, a doctor will look for any swollen or discolored areas on the arms or legs. They will listen to the heart and lungs and take a blood pressure reading. Doctors may order a D-dimer blood test.
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