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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Deep Venous Thrombosis: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Cardiovascular (Circulatory System)

Deep Venous Thrombosis

Alternate Names : DVT, Economy Class Syndrome

Deep Venous Thrombosis | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What can be done to prevent the condition?

DVT cannot always be prevented. Some helpful measures include:

  • avoiding illegal drugs
  • avoiding long periods of inactivity
  • eating a healthy diet to prevent heart disease
  • exercising appropriately during pregnancy and the postpartum period
  • following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults
  • maintaining appropriate levels of physical activity
  • practicing appropriate weight management
  • Although the research is still inconclusive about the effects of airplane trips and other forms of travel on DVT, people can lower their risk of DVT by taking these steps:

  • Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills before or during the flight.
  • Avoid long periods of sleep during the flight.
  • Do seat exercises, such as ankle rolls and toe pointing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Get up and move about periodically.
  • Limit carry-on luggage so there is plenty of legroom.
  • Obtain a seat with as much legroom as possible, such as in the first class cabin, on an aisle, or in back of a bulkhead.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about taking aspirin for its blood-thinning properties.
  • Walk around the concourse before and between flights.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid tight stockings.
  • Blood-thinning medicines can help prevent DVT. These include heparin, enoxaparin, and warfarin. Compression stockings can also be used to improve the flow of blood through the veins back up to the heart.

    A recent large-scale study in Canada looked at DVT in individuals 65 years or older. The study found that statins, which are medicines used to lower cholesterol, decreased the risk of DVT by 22% in this group. While further study is recommended, the findings are encouraging.

    What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    Most patients will recover from an episode of deep venous thrombosis without long-term problems. People who have had DVT have a higher risk of getting it again. The most serious risk of DVT is a pulmonary embolus. This is a piece of the blood clot that breaks off and travels to the lung. A blood clot in the lung can cause death.

    DVT may also cause chronic pain and swelling of the affected leg. There are rare cases of a stroke resulting from a DVT.

    What are the risks to others?

    A deep venous thrombosis is not contagious and poses no risk to others.


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    Deep Venous Thrombosis: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Deep Venous Thrombosis: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Minot Cleveland, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/27/01



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