Thromboembolic Events Associated with Air Travel

Abstract

The duration of flight appears as a major contributing risk factor for severe pulmonary embolism associated with travel. Given the risk of air travel of long duration, behavioral, mechanical, and pharmacological prophylactic measures should be considered. Behavioral and mechanical prophylactic measures are easy to perform and include abundant consumption of nonalcoholic beverages, refraining from smoking, avoidance of tight clothing that may limit blood flow, use of elastic support stockings, avoidance of legcrossing, frequent changes of position while seated, and minor physical activity, such as walking, or at least moving the limbs. These measures and, perhaps, pharmacological measures, are insufficiently documented to suggest precise indications.