If you have ever taken a long plane journey or been confined to bed for several days, you may have suffered from deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT. The condition is caused by a blood clot forming in a deep vein, due to inactivity, usually in the leg but occasionally in other parts of the body. It’s a serious condition that can frequently cause long-term problems and can even be fatal.

The most serious effect of DVT is when an affected clot travels to the lung, a medical condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE); in fact, over 10% of those with DVT also have PE. The symptoms of PE can include sharp chest pain, rapid breathing and sudden coughing and PE can cause high blood pressure, even heart failure.

The symptoms of DVT aren’t always apparent, although there are some common warning signs. The most obvious symptom is a painful feeling in one or both legs; if you have been sitting still for a long time, you won’t experience this until you get up or try to walk. The affected leg can be discolored or feel warm to the touch and the veins in your leg may be visible.

DVT can be difficult to accurately diagnose, partly because the symptoms aren’t always noticeable and partly because many other

medical conditions have some or all of the same symptoms. Although deep vein thrombosis can affect anyone who has sat still for a long period, those particularly at risk include the elderly or overweight, and those with varicose veins or a blood clotting disorder.

Although it’s impossible to entirely prevent deep vein thrombosis, there are certain steps you can take to minimize the risk. If you are sitting still for a long period of time, especially in a cramped airplane seat, try to get up every so often to exercise your lower leg muscles. In fact, the condition has become so firmly associated with flying, that it is often described as economy class syndrome.

This guest post has been written by Healthier Tomorrow.

Photo: twinkleboi

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Tags: blood clot, compression stocking, deep vein thrombosis, DVT