How many people get blood clots while flying?

How many people get blood clots while flying? One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight. According to Dr. Kahn, “the actual risk of a travel-related blood clot is quite small, and the average traveler doesn't need to worry about it.

How common are blood clots from flying?

Even if you travel a long distance, the risk of developing a blood clot is generally very small. Your level of risk depends on the duration of travel as well as whether you have any other risks for blood clots.

Should you take a blood thinner before a long flight?

Bajakian recommends you talk to your doctor before taking a flight longer than 4 to 6 hours. In some extremely high-risk cases, she may prescribe a course of low-dose anticoagulation medication for travel.

Should I wear compression socks on a long flight?

Research has shown that wearing compression socks during long-haul flights can significantly reduce the risk of developing blood clots and alleviate symptoms of leg fatigue and discomfort.

Is it good to take aspirin before flying?

Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

Can flying dislodge a blood clot?

Flights lasting 8 to 10 hours or longer pose the greatest risk. In some cases, the DVT will dissolve and go away on its own. However, in more serious cases, it can cause pain, swelling, and warmth of the affected leg, or it can break off and travel to the blood vessels of your lungs, causing pulmonary embolism (PE).

How do you prevent blood clots when flying?

Should I wear flight socks or aspirin?

Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended.

Does aspirin prevent DVT on flights?

There has been considerable attention focused recently on the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) associated with air travel. Despite the lack of evidence among air travelers, a single dose of aspirin has been widely recommended as a means of preventing such thrombosis.

How long after flying are you at risk for blood clot?

After the flight If you have travelled by air you should be alert for the symptoms of DVT for up to one month after flying, and should seek medical help if any symptoms such as a swollen or painful leg, especially the calf, and/or breathing difficulties occur.