Flying and DVT

A review article on the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism associated with flying emphasised that the risk increases during and for several weeks after flights of four or more hours.  After four hours the risk increases progressively with increasing flight duration. 

Other factors that moderately increase risk on long haul flights are oral contraceptive use, excess body mass index, inherited blood disorders (thrombophilia), varicose veins and short stature. 

Factors that confer a higher risk are previous venous thromboembolism, recent surgery, heart failure, active cancer, multiple moderate risk factors, very long flights (more than 10,000km) and prolonged immobility.

Australian Prescriber 2009; 32: 148-150