Prevention of Deep vein thrombosis

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Avoid immobility, especially after surgery.

People in high risk groups should consult their doctor before they embark upon long distance travel.

During long-distance travel especially long-haul flights:

be comfortable in your seat;
bending and straightening your legs, feet and toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight is advised;
pressing the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest will also help increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce clotting;
upper body and breathing exercises can further improve circulation;
take occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests this is safe;
take advantage of refuelling stopovers where it may be possible to get off the plane and walk about;
drink plenty of water;
wearing elastic compression stockings;
be sensible about alcohol, which in excess leads to dehydration and immobility;
avoid taking sleeping pills, which also cause immobility.

People known to be prone to deep vein thrombosis or patients at risk of it are given regular injections of a drug called an anticoagulant that can stop the blood from clotting. The drug is based on the natural anticoagulant heparin.