Are pilots at risk of DVT?

DVT is a potentially life threatening condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in one of the legs. These clots can break off and travel to the lungs, where they can be fatal. Flying for long distances seems to aggravate the condition, but there are steps pilots can take to lower their risk.



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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or Traveler's Thrombosis occurs when blood in a vein (most often in lower extremities) becomes stagnant and then forms clot. If you think about it, the pilots are at less risk compared to passengers in this matter.

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Increasing leg muscle activity during long periods of sitting improves blood flow in the legs. This may include walk- ing around the cabin or exercising your lower legs and ankles while seated. Drinking adequate fluids, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, may also help by preventing dehydration.

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Factors that contribute to the increased risk of travel-related DVT include obesity, extremes of height, use of oral contraceptives and pre-existing blood clotting abnormalities. The absolute risk of DVT in healthy passengers per long-haul flight (more than 4 hours) was found to be about 1 in 6000.

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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.

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Most information about blood clots and long-distance travel comes from information that has been gathered about air travel. However, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.

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Being a pilot is not without its risks. Pilots must be aware of the physical and mental strain, the danger of accidents, the risk of job loss, and the potential for legal action. With the proper training and preparation, pilots can minimize these risks and ensure their safety and success in the air.

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For Air Travel – Take one 325 mg Aspirin one hour prior to flight and then once a day for 5 days. If on an airplane for more than 3 hours, either walk frequently or do ankle pump exercises (flex your foot up and down repeatedly) in your seat every hour.

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