Travel and DVTs
All long journeys by any mode of transport — by plane, car or train — may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk is not as great the media would suggest, in fact we estimate the risk to be one DVT per million passengers on flights over six hours.

The best way to prevent DVT is to keep well hydrated, avoid alcohol, regularly flex your ankles to contract calf muscles, and walk around if possible. It’s advisable to wear flight socks for journeys longer than four hours unless they are contraindicated, for instance if you suffer from poor circulation to legs or ulcers due to arterial disease. Most MPD patients do not require additional protection. However, some patients may be advised to take an injection of heparin prior to the flight, especially if they have had recent or multiple thromboses, a clotting event, or are pregnant
(or < six weeks after delivery), or have recently undergone surgery. Heparin is simple to give and your haematologist can provide a letter explaining its use for airline security. Talk to your doctor about your travel plans, and have a safe trip!

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