Q1_Winter_2017_AlertDiver

TRAVEL SMARTER

afety-conscious divers educate themselves about the risks and hazards associated

with diving. But divers are also travelers, so it is also important to learn about

travel-related medical conditions.

One such condition is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood

clot (a “thrombus”) forms in one or more of the body’s deep veins, usually in the legs. If a

clot breaks free and travels through the circulatory system, it can lead to life-threatening

conditions such as pulmonary embolism or stroke.

RISK FACTORS

Most cases of DVT occur in people with preexisting risk factors who remain motionless for

long periods of time, as is common during travel. While travel-related DVT is rare in the

general population (the prevalence among passengers on commercial flights lasting more

than eight hours is between 0.3 and 0.5 percent), factors that put travelers at additional

risk include age (increasing risk after age 40), obesity, estrogen use, recent or current

pregnancy, thrombophilia, personal or family history of DVT, active cancer, serious illness,

recent surgery, limited mobility, central venous catheterization and significantly above- or

below-average height.

SYMPTOMS

In about half of all DVT cases, the affected individual experiences no symptoms before the

onset of the condition. When symptoms do occur they most often begin in the calf and may

include the following:

• swelling in the affected leg, ankle or foot

• pain in the calf that spreads to the ankle or foot

• warmth in the affected area

• change in skin color to pale, red or blue

Many cases of DVT involve no symptoms and resolve on their own.

PREVENTION

Whether you’re driving or flying, if you intend to be seated for long periods, make sure to get

up periodically and stretch your legs. If you know you are at an increased risk for DVT, wear

compression socks and consult with your doctor about taking medication to prevent clots.

If you develop DVT, refrain from diving during the acute phase of the condition or while

you are taking anticoagulants. It may be possible to return to diving, but you should first

consult with a doctor trained in dive medicine.

For more information, visit

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

SHUTTERSTOCK