DVT – Are you at risk this summer?

Travellers are being advised to find out whether they’re at increased risk of suffering a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) before embarking on long haul flights this summer.

DVT occurs when circulation is poor. Blood slows and forms a clot in a deep vein, usually in the calf. If the clot then makes its way to the lungs it can be fatal.

Activa Healthcare leg health expert, Kimby Osborne, says many people are putting themselves in unnecessary danger when travelling because they don’t realise they're at risk of developing a DVT.

People with a recent minor leg injury, smokers and very tall people are among those classified as at ‘increased risk’ when it comes to DVT, and they should not be travelling for long periods of time without taking precautions.

The following people are classed as being at 'increased risk' of developing a DVT, and account for around 90 to 95% of all DVT cases*:

• People over 40
• Smokers
• Very tall or obese people
• People with circulation problems or heart failure
• People who have any previous or current leg swelling
• People with a recent minor leg injury
• People with extensive varicose veins
• Pregnant women, or those who have just had a baby
• People taking any hormone medication (contraceptive pill, HRT)
• People who have previously suffered a blood clot or have a family history of them
• People who have suffered a stroke, or have had recent major surgery
• People undergoing chemotherapy
• People with paralysed lower limbs

Ms Osborne says there are four simple ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing a DVT:

1. Wear loose clothing: changes in atmospheric pressure in a plane can cause the body can expand and tight clothing will then reduce circulation
2. Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
3. Keep moving: walk around whenever you can and follow the leg exercises that are suggested in in-flight literature
4. Get fitted for graduated compression hosiery: medical-grade air socks, like the Unisex Sock from Activa Healthcare, can be purchased from pharmacists, who will measure travelers? legs to ensure the best fit and highest level of protection from DVT

The air socks that you can purchase in shops are not particularly effective. People at increased risk of DVT should be wearing air socks that have been professionally fitted to their legs. Activa Healthcare is the UK market leader in compression hosiery and the Unisex Sock is one of the best products on the market.

To get fitted for compression hosiery, either ask a pharmacist or use Activa Healthcare’s Online Hosiery Selector. The Unisex Sock is priced from £10.

For more information visit Activahealthcare.co.uk.