Intense training can be a risk in travel-related DVT

In hospitals, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur after surgery, especially surgery below the waist, like hip surgery. And it’s true that you should avoid surgery for at least 30 days after air travel if possible.  But the risk factors for DVT on an airplane are very different from those in a hospital, and include recent intense athletic conditioning, particularly training for endurance sports like marathons.

According to Airhealth, the most common travel-related risk factors for DVT are:

1. Athletic training, especially training for endurance sports like marathons.

2. Recent surgery or injury. If you have just run a marathon, you probably have at least minor bruising that can trigger clotting. Kick-boxing also produces such injuries.

3. Personal or family history of DVT.

4. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Obesity is often cited as a risk factor, but probably ranks much lower than the preceding diseases.

5. Women who are pregnant or taking estrogen as birth control or hormone replacement.

6. Age over 40 is often cited as a risk factor; sometime age over 60 is cited. Butin Airhealth’s registry, over 80% of those suffering DVT while traveling are under age 60, and the majority are under 50.

See also How to avoid blot clots while traveling.