Deep Vein Thrombosis

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition caused by a blood clot forming in the veins of the leg. Its possible association with long distance air travel has lead to it often being referred to as "economy class syndrome".

Follow the links below to find general information about deep vein thrombosis, and tips on how to avoid this condition while travelling.

Reviewed July 2009

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Related HealthInsite Topics
Systematic Reviews on Deep Vein Thrombosis
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence about deep vein thrombosis
18 Resources Found
Results 1 to 18 displayed.
Title:   Flying and thromboembolism: a patient's perspective
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   A 38-year-old professional manager developed a problem after the five-hour flight from Sydney to Perth.
Date:   Dec 2009
Title:   Flying and blood clots
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   On a long trip, sitting down for many hours can reduce the blood flow in the legs. Sometimes a clot can form in one of the veins of the legs. This is a deep vein thrombosis. While it can occur during a long journey in a car or bus, thrombosis is a particular concern for airline passengers.
Date:   Dec 2009
Title:   Flying and thromboembolism
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   The risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism increases during, and for several weeks after, flights of four or more hours.
Date:   Dec 2009
Title:   DVT and flying - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   The risk of DVT doubles after a long-haul flight. Find out about the symptoms and risk factors for DVT, and how to prevent it.
Date:   Oct 2009
Title:   Comments for consumers: Deep vein thrombosis
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Patients who are in hospital do not move around as much as normal. This increases the risk that a blood clot may form in the deep veins of their legs. This is called deep vein thrombosis.
Date:   Aug 2009
Title:   Heparins for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis - safety issues
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Heparins are commonly used to prevent venous thromboembolism. Although they are effective anticoagulants, heparins have a high risk of adverse effects if used inappropriately.
Date:   Aug 2009
Title:   Arm deep venous thrombosis
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected upper limb deep venous thrombosis.
Date:   May 2009
Title:   Leg deep venous thrombosis
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected lower limb deep venous thrombosis.
Date:   May 2009
Title:   Deep vein thrombosis
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg. A pulmonary embolism is a life threatening complication. Long distance flights may contribute to the risk of DVT or 'economy class syndrome'. Other risk factors for DVT include coronary heart disease, being overweight or obese, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, taking a high dose combined oral contraceptive pill, family history of DVT or recent surgery or injury.
Date:   Nov 2008
Title:   Travel tips for seniors
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Older people should plan any travel carefully. Make sure pre-existing medical conditions are well managed. Organise travel insurance with pre-existing illness cover if needed and take enough of your regular medication to last the entire trip. Coronary heart disease, obesity and sitting still for extended periods of time are known risk factors for the development of blood clots in the veins of the legs or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Date:   Sep 2008
Title:   Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body. DVT clots usually occur in those deep veins within the leg, particularly within the calf muscles. Provides information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Date:   May 2008
Title:   Deep vein thrombosis - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   The condition known as deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg.
Date:   Aug 2007
Title:   Diagnostic tests: the diagnosis of recurrent deep venous thrombosis
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Duplex ultrasound is the preferred investigation for the diagnosis of initial and recurrent deep venous thrombosis.The contralateral leg should be scanned when thrombosis is diagnosed as it is bilateral in 30% of cases.
Date:   Apr 2007
Title:   Travellers with special needs - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Some travellers - such as the elderly, people with diabetes and HIV positive people - may need to take special precautions to ensure a happy and healthy holiday.
Date:   Oct 2004
Title:   Deep vein thrombosis and air travel
Publisher:   Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Description:   There is community concern that air travel may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This page explains what DVT is, and provides a set of guidelines for the safety and comfort of air travellers.
Date:   Nov 2003
Title:   Interventions to improve uptake of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitals
Publisher:   National Institute of Clinical Studies
Description:   The review looks for strategies that have been effective in increasing the appropriate use of pharmacological and mechanical measures to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients, and secondarily, whether there is information on the cost effectiveness of such strategies.
Date:   Jul 2003
Title:   DVT and air travel - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   One health problem associated with flying is the risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins.
Date:   May 2002
Title:   Investigations for thrombotic tendencies. Treatment of deep leg vein thrombosis
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Some people are more likely to develop blood clots than others. This tendency may be due to problems with certain natural proteins which normally stop the blood clotting. Sometimes, this tendency can run in families.
Date:   Jan 1999
Results 1 to 18 displayed.