Compression socks for air travel - reliable prevention of venous thrombosis
Airplanes have long been replacing cars, trains and buses. Air travel is a fast and convenient way to travel and cover long distances in a few hours.
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But they do have their disadvantages due to changes in height, pressure fluctuations, and limited mobility.
What can be the dangers of air travel?
One of the main dangers of air travel is the formation of blood clots in the veins of the legs. This phenomenon has a medical name - “air traveler's thrombosis”
One of the main dangers of air travel is the formation of blood clots in the veins of the legs. This phenomenon has a medical name - “air traveler's thrombosis”
Although it is quite common, not many people know about it.
Blood clots can form in both deep leg veins and subcutaneous veins. Sometimes this complication occurs with minor manifestations (swelling, redness, heaviness), but in some cases it can lead to death. This occurs when the clot “breaks off” and travels through the blood vessels to the pulmonary artery.
Blood clots can form in both deep leg veins and subcutaneous veins. Sometimes this complication occurs with minor manifestations (swelling, redness, heaviness), but in some cases it can lead to death. This occurs when the clot “breaks off” and travels through the blood vessels to the pulmonary artery.
Why do blood clots form during air travel?
Thrombosis has no single cause, it is provoked by several factors. The main doctors consider the forced immobility of a person.
In order for the vessels of the legs to pump blood to the heart, constant muscle work is necessary. In medicine, there is even such a term “muscle-venous pump of the lower extremities”. When the muscles of the legs contract, they press on the walls of the veins and help to “push” the blood upwards to the heart - the muscles work like a pump.
But if a person sits still, blood begins to linger in the veins. Then it forms clots, which can rise higher and clog not only the vessels of the legs, but vital arteries. Low cabin pressure and lack of oxygen (hypoxia) also contribute to thrombosis.
In order for the vessels of the legs to pump blood to the heart, constant muscle work is necessary. In medicine, there is even such a term “muscle-venous pump of the lower extremities”. When the muscles of the legs contract, they press on the walls of the veins and help to “push” the blood upwards to the heart - the muscles work like a pump.
But if a person sits still, blood begins to linger in the veins. Then it forms clots, which can rise higher and clog not only the vessels of the legs, but vital arteries. Low cabin pressure and lack of oxygen (hypoxia) also contribute to thrombosis.
Who can develop air traveler's thrombosis?
Studies show that blood clots in the legs usually form in people with risk factors, and the likelihood increases with age. Vein thrombosis is rare in young and healthy travelers.
Risk factors for blood clots are:
Also, the probability of venous thrombosis increases with a long flight, uncomfortable body position, lack of preventive measures.
Risk factors for blood clots are:
- Chronic vein disease;
- obesity;
- pregnancy and postpartum conditions;
- hormonal treatment;
- taking contraceptives that contain estrogens;
- surgical treatment (up to three weeks after the intervention);
- malignant tumors (cancer).
Also, the probability of venous thrombosis increases with a long flight, uncomfortable body position, lack of preventive measures.
How to reduce the risk of thrombosis on an airplane?
To prevent blood clots from forming in the veins, doctors recommend these preventive measures:
- frequent walking (at least every 1-2 hours);
- small physical exercises, which can be done sitting down;
- frequent drinking (it prevents blood clotting);
- compression socks for air travel.
How do compression socks work?
Compression hosiery puts pressure on the vein walls and works like a muscle-venous pump. This facilitates the upward movement of blood and prevents it from stagnating in the vessels. Socks not only prevent the formation of blood clots, but also prevent swelling and reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Doctors advise to use compression socks and healthy people if they have a long (more than 6-8 hours) flight
Doctors advise to use compression socks and healthy people if they have a long (more than 6-8 hours) flight
How to choose compression socks for an airplane?
For air travel there are special compression socks “Travel” (compression class A), which provide the necessary pressure (10-17 mmHg) on the vein walls, but do not cause discomfort to the person.
However, in the case of varicose veins, vein thrombosis in the past or other significant risk factors may require socks of higher compression class, they should be selected by a specialist.
Lower limb vein thrombosis is an unpleasant and dangerous complication of air travel, but it can be avoided if you consult a doctor in time and choose the right compression socks for travel.
However, in the case of varicose veins, vein thrombosis in the past or other significant risk factors may require socks of higher compression class, they should be selected by a specialist.
Lower limb vein thrombosis is an unpleasant and dangerous complication of air travel, but it can be avoided if you consult a doctor in time and choose the right compression socks for travel.