While sitting on an international flight, ever wonder what your risks are for a blood clot?
General Background:
It is estimated that the risk for a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is 3-12% on a long-haul flight. However, the real incidence is difficult to evaluate, due in part to the lack of consensus about 1) diagnostic tests, and 2) the appropriate time frame to relate a venous thromboembolic event (VTE) to travel.
Risks Factors for VTEs on long-haul flights:
General:
stasis: prolonged sitting & crowded conditions
relative hypoxia
dehydration
Patient specific:
Age >40
Female gender
Use of estrogen-containing contraceptives/hormone replacement therapy
Obesity
Varicose veins in the legs
Family/personal history of prior VTEs
Active cancer/recent cancer treatment
Bottom Line:
Even healthy individuals are at risk on long-haul (>8 hour) flights.
The risk increases the longer the flight
Current data does not appear to show a risk difference between economy and business class.
