How to decrease your chance of getting a blood clot while traveling?

Asymptomatic blood clots, otherwise called deep venous thrombosis (DVT), is most common form, occurs in 2-4% of high-risk travelers.

What is a “high-risk” traveler?  Currently have cancer, recently given birth, obesity (BMI more than 30), long travel, recent surgery, hormone therapy, and previous history of a blood clot.

Do compression stockings help?  Yes! There was a recent study that looked at how well do compression stockings work in flights >5 hours to help patients NOT get a blood clot. The bottom line is that compression stockings ARE effective in asymptomatic DVTs in both high and low risk populations. The number needed to treat (NNT) is 37 in high-risk individuals.  This means that 37 people will wear compression stockings for ONE person to avoid getting a blood clot. But, that person to NOT get a blood clot could be you!  Overall, there is little harm in wearing compression stockings and they may help you. 

You can buy compression stockings online and are now available in lively patterns.