Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and long distance air travel
Where employees regularly undertake long distance air travel, organisations may need to undertake a risk analysis to determine the risk of exposure to employees, with regard to the best medical data available.
Further assessments may be required as medical knowledge develops and becomes clearer. Current medical information on DVT should be made available to all employees planning to travel by air. This will enable employees to be better informed and able to recognise potential problems or know to consult their doctor before travelling by air.
What is DVT
DVT is a blood clot, which develops in the veins of the leg. The clot may break off and travel through the blood stream and lodge in the brain, lungs, heart or other area causing severe damage to the organ concerned.
DVT and Long Distance Air Travel
Current medical evidence suggests long distance air travel may contribute to the development of DVT. This is not a new problem but recent publicity about the "Economy Class Syndrome" and the death of a number of long distance travellers from DVT following flights between Australia, the UK and the USA, have highlighted the danger of long distance travel by air.
High Risk Group
Some travellers are more at risk than others and need to take extra care.
DVT is more common if:
- travelling for more than 12 continuous hours (particularly by air because of the combination of reduced oxygen pressure and dehydration)
- over the age of 40
- obese
- a smoker
- pregnant or taking a contraceptive pill
- the person has severe varicose veins
- the person has an inflammatory disease (eg rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease)
- the person has a past history of DVT
- the person has a family history of DVT
- the person has had recent surgery or a plaster cast
Those at high-risk should seek medical advice before travelling on long flights.
Precautions
Some precautions to assist with the prevention of DVT are:
- Reduce the length of the flight by planning stopovers whenever possible.
- Exercise your legs en route, eg mobilise ankles and massage calves.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Limit alcohol intake (dehydrating agent).
- Wear compression stockings (particularly if in the high risk group).
- The use of aspirin is often recommended but is of limited value in preventing clots in veins. It is more effective in preventing clots in arteries, eg heart attacks/strokes.
Sources of information
The above information was provided by Health Services Australia's (formerly the Australian Government Health Service) Travel Health Service. Contact details are phone 1300 361 046 or access their internet site healthoz.com.au. Additional information can be obtained from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's internet site casa.gov.au.
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