Thinking of Travelling ?

I saw on the news this morning where Vice President Dick Cheney has a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)or blood clot in his leg. Apparently he had travelled some 65 hours via airplane in about a nine day period. What the Vice President experienced is called a Travel Thrombosis or Economy Class Syndrome (though I doubt he travels economy class).

Travel Thrombosis or Economy Class Syndrome is a blood clot that develops in the legs particularly during extended travel, when a lengthy period of immobility has resulted in poor circulation or placed undue stress on veins. When dehydration, high altitude and low cabin pressure are also factored in, the risk of clot formation increases. As mentioned here and in previous posts, another name for a blood clot that forms in the legs is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

When a DVT forms and does not dissolve on its own, it can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs, resulting in a serious and often fatal condition called Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The incidence of both DVT and PE has been proven to significantly increase during extended periods of travel.

Anyone subjected to cramped conditions for extended period of time could be at risk for travel-related thrombosis. Factors that increase risk are:

1. Age of 40 or older
2. Recent travel
3. Excess weight or obesity
4. Recent surgery or trauma
5. Family history of DVT or prior DVT
6. Varicose veins
7. pregnancy
8. Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement
9. Malignant disease (cancer)
10. Existing heart disease

There are several common-sense precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of Travel Thrombosis, including;

1. Walking frequently or regularly exercising your legs while in transit
2. Drinking plenty of fluids
3. Limiting consumption of alcohol
4. Wearing compression stocking or travel socks

What are travel socks and how can they help?

Kendall Travel Socks are compression socks specifically designed to provide comfortable support and blood clot protection while delivering appropriate levels of compression (20mmHg-30mmHG) as recommended by physicians to enhance blood flow. Unlike other compression socks which can be uncomfortable and unsightly, Kendall Travel Socks look like regular dress socks, are easy to put on and are comfortable to wear. In addition to providing dramatic reduction in leg and ankle swelling during extended periods of immobility.

You may not have the hectic travel requirements of Vice President Dick Cheney or other worldly travellers but I think it's important to know the risks involved when you have to endure uncomfortable travel conditions. Don't take the risk! I recommend our travel socks to everyone at risk that's taking a trip whether by plane, train, car, bus or in a truck. I bet Mr. Cheney will be wearing his next time.