A doctor has advised on measures to take to reduce the risk of blood clots before and during flights.
While many eagerly anticipate the in-flight relaxation that comes with a holiday, a doctor cautions that, just as pilots conduct pre-flight checks, travellers must prepare themselves to avoid potential health risks.
Dr Dana Digura, a foot surgeon with a million Instagram followers, warns of the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights. This condition can be hazardous, as reported by the NHS, as it can result from prolonged immobility and decreased blood flow in the legs during air travel, potentially leading to clot formation.
The doctor highlights that individuals on birth control pills are at a higher risk, as are pregnant women, obese individuals, those who have undergone recent surgery, smokers, and people with varicose veins.
In a video response to a query from a man advising his fiancée to stretch her feet and heels every couple of hours on a flight due to being on birth control, Dr Digura explained: “Yes, if you’re on birth control pills you’re at risk of getting a potential deathly blood clot called DVT. You’re at risk of this on flights over four hours and it’s sometimes called economy class syndrome.”
Dr Digura added: “The risk is even higher for flights over six hours.”
Dr Danielle Bajakian, a vascular surgeon and director of the Vein Program at Columbia University Department of Surgery, concurred with this health warning. She explained: “Your veins really need some mobility to circulate the blood from your feet back up to your heart. If you’re in a position where you’re not doing anything, you’re also enhancing the likelihood that you’re going to get a blood clot.”
Dr Digura is on hand to offer vital tips for those worried about blood clots during flights. The expert’s advice is simple. She added: “Try and get up and walk every hour, this helps activate the calf muscles and stop blood from pooling in your legs. Even if you can’t get up and walk, you can activate your calf muscles with foot pumps, calf raises and ankle circles.”
The expert suggests that family members of all ages should consider compression socks to protect against clots. Specifically, she mentions: “T You can buy compression socks from Boots for £14.20 or from Amazon for £5.99. y help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.”
Boots provides further clarification, stating: “A simple pair of socks can make all the difference by boosting circulation, supporting veins, and preventing leg swelling, blisters, shin splints, and general aches and pains.”
Social media users have been quick to voice their concerns and gratitude for Dr Digura’s expert insights. One person shared, saying: “This is absolutely my biggest fear. I travel internationally….a lot….on long hauls, but I worry because I’m a plane sleeper. Like sitting in my seat for 3+ hours at a time sleeper!”.
Another individual expressed relief ahead of an arduous journey: “Thank god I see this before I go on a 23 hour flight next weekend,” they said.
If you are worried about blood clots or blood flow, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP. If you have symptoms of DVT and also feel breathlessness or are experiencing chest pain, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
