Week 3 - Health Issues - mary

 

 

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis – research

Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis, (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, predominantly in the legs. Non-specific signs may include pain, swelling, redness, warmness, and engorged superficial veins. Pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication, is caused by the detachment (embolization) of a clot that travels to the lungs. Together, DVT and pulmonary embolism constitute a single disease process known as venous thromboembolism. Post-thrombotic syndrome, another complication, significantly contributes to the health-care cost of DVT.

The 2012 ACCP guidelines offered weak recommendations. For at-risk long-haul travellers—those with "previous VTE, recent surgery or trauma, active malignancy, pregnancy, oestrogen use, advanced age, limited mobility, severe obesity, or known thrombophilic disorder"—suggestions included calf exercises, frequent walking, and aisle seating in airplanes to ease walking. The use of graduated compression stockings that fit below the knee and give 15–30 mm Hg of pressure to the ankle was suggested, while aspirin or anticoagulants were not. Compression stockings have sharply reduced the levels of asymptomatic DVT in airline passengers, but the effect on symptomatic VTE is unknown, as none of the individuals studied developed symptomatic VTE.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis

(Could provide free stockings for those at risk?)

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/PreventingDVT.aspx

Travel-related deep vein thrombosis was first reported in 1954 in a 54-year-old doctor who developed a blood clot following a 14-hour flight.

The condition was soon dubbed "economy class syndrome" by researchers, who believed that there was a link between DVT and long-haul air travel in cramped conditions.

The actual number of people who get DVT from travelling on long-haul flights is unknown and is difficult to determine, as the condition can be symptomless and may not occur for some time after travel.

However, there is some evidence to suggest that certain groups of people, such as pregnant women or anyone who has had a stroke, are at increased risk of developing DVT on flights of eight hours or more.

DVT occurs when blood flows too slowly through the veins. The blood forms a clot that blocks up deep veins, usually in the legs. 

DVT doesn’t generally have any immediate symptoms, making it difficult to spot. However, typical signs include a swollen or painful calf or thigh, paleness and increased heat around the affected area.

If left untreated, people with DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, when part of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lung, which can be fatal.

 Studies have concluded that airline passengers who wear compression stockings during flights of four hours or more can significantly reduce their risk of DVT as well as leg swelling (oedema).

It's vital that compression stockings are measured and worn correctly. Ill-fitting stockings could further increase the risk of DVT. – Problem if providing stockings – is there any other way of reducing DVT? Increased movement – have footrests that rock? Massaging seats?

Some business class seats have built in massage features to prevent deep vain thrombosis ( more details on DVT at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx). This massaging feature could be added to budget airlines to help prevent uncomfort on long plane journeys.