DVT Protection
Long distant flights (e.g. 5 hours or longer) can increase the risk of developing DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis), where the deep veins of the leg develop blood clots which very occasionally break off and move upstream to the lung to form a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). These are important, though uncommon, and great care should be taken to prevent them.
When flying your risk of a DVT increases because of the difficulty of getting up and moving around. Also on a long flight you get dehydrated, and if you enjoy your coffee and alcohol it increases this danger. The edge of the seat may compress the leg veins which interrupts blood flow in the legs and increases the risk of DVTs.
Graded compression stockings (flight socks) can reduce the risk of DVTs. These are knee length socks that provide a graded compression from the calf to the ankle to stimulate blood flow. Your ankle has little muscle in it and requires more stimulus than your calf to speed up circulation. The knee length socks provide graduated compression which progresses from 14mmgH at the calf to 17mmgH at the ankle to stimulate blood flow.
