Why DVT can strike anyone, any time and how to avoid a killer blood clot (2)

The first documented case of DVT was reported during the middle ages. In 1271, a 20-year-old Norman cobbler complained of pain in his lower leg. A visit to the tomb of canonised King Louis IX was advocated, where the cobbler massaged dust into his leg.

Subsequent DVTs were diagnosed in pregnant and postnatal women, believed to be the consequence of “evil humours” during pregnancy and post-delivery – meaning a build-up of unconsumed breast milk.

During the first world war, exhausted young soldiers in the trenches suffered from blood clots in their legs, caused by sleeping upright in chairs, their legs beneath them. Today’s taxi and bus drivers are at risk as they sit immobile for long stretches.

Tse says the incidence of DVT among Hongkongers is on the rise. “Overall annual incidences of thromboembolic disease in Hong Kong is 30 per 100,000 of the population; hospital mortality rates associated with DVT are 7.3 per cent.”

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the incidence is higher in America – one to two per 1,000.

One-third of people with DVT or a pulmonary embolism will have a recurrence within 10 years; 10 per cent to 30 per cent of people will die within one month of diagnosis. In the US, one person is diagnosed with DVT every minute, and a sufferer dies as a result of its complication, pulmonary embolism, every six.

Among those with DVT, half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) – as I do: a nagging pain presents in my right calf after prolonged standing or exercise due to enduring damage to valves in the vein.

Flying isn’t the only cause of DVT, and not all people who fly long-haul will develop it. Given the frequency of air travel today, though, it’s a risk we all need to take more seriously. I certainly do: I drink lots of water – “two litres during a seven-hour flight because the atmosphere in the cabin means you dehydrate 20 per cent faster”, my surgeon said.

This means I can’t help but walk up and down the aisle to get my blood circulating, as I get up to use the loo every hour, and instead of skinny jeans I wear toe-to-groin surgical stockings.

Air travel isn’t as sexy as it used to be.

Travel tips to prevent DVT

All air travellers, says Tse, should consider the following:

• Stand up and walk around every hour or two;
• Consider wearing knee-high (or higher) compression stockings;
• Apart from the stockings, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing;
• Avoid medications such as sedative or sleeping pills, and alcohol, which could impair your ability to get up and move around;
• Flex and extend the ankles and knees periodically, avoid crossing the legs or sitting on your legs, and change positions frequently while seated

The US Centres for Disease Control suggests three simple exercises to help keep the blood flowing:

1. Raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor
2. Raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor
3. Tighten and release your leg muscles



Reference information:  SCMP
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your physicians for diagnosis and treatment.