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DVT Prevention Gets Its Wings        

Being cooped up in airplane seats for long hauls seems to boost the risk of developing potentially dangerous blood clots in the veins deep inside the arms and legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT).  But this condition is easily prevented, suggests a study in the May 12 Lancet.

Researchers recruited 231 healthy volunteers who had no history of circulatory problems and were scheduled for uninterrupted flights of eight hours or longer.  Half the participants wore knee high prescription compression stockings while on the plane; the others traveled without compression stockings.  Within two weeks before the outbound flight and again within two days after the return flight, researchers examined the participants.  Ultrasounds of the participants' legs showed that 10 percent of those in the non-stocking control group had DVT, while none of the people in the compression-stocking group did.  The authors conclude that compression stockings-which speed blood flow, activate natural clot busters, and minimize swelling-can help prevent flight-induced DVT.  Another way to ward off DVT may be to use the Airogym, a new, inexpensive mail-order device resembling a tubular balloon.  While sitting, Airogym users exercise their legs by pressing on the device with different parts of their feet.  The lead author of the Lancet study has tested the Airogym and reports that it does indeed increase blood flow through deep veins and will likely prevent the blood pooling that can lead to DVT.

If you're planning a long flight and have no history of circulatory problems, you don't need to rely on gizmos to prevent DVT.  Drink plenty of fluids, and flex and move your legs while seated (the kind of motion the Airogym promotes).  Compression stockings-the type prescribed by your doctor-may be advisable for travelers at high risk of DVT, such as those prone to clots, those who must remain immobile, and those who've recently had surgery.

SOURCE:  From the publishers of The New England Journal of Medicine-HEALTHNEWS-Heart Watch, July 2001

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