I am about to embark on a long flight oseas, i suffer from varicose veins and have support stockings, are other measures can i take to prevent dvt?

YES: Keep your fluids up on the flight and try to walk the cabin whenever possible. When you land walk as much as you can and again keep fluids up as plane related DVT occurs after the flight.

Stockings don't : Help. Movement helps. Dvts arise from stasis of blood on veins or from trauma. You need to get up every hour or so to help prevent dvt.

Activity, activity: Venous stasis or vein blood pooling can result in deep vein thrombosis DVT on extended flights. For very high risk patients with endstage venous stasis, we recommend Lovenox (enoxaparin) injections prior to each flight. If you have minor venous stasis, then compression stockings, push fluid hydration, aspirin, calf pumps activities and ambulation during the flight.

DVT prevention: I agree with dr. Mountcastle. The most important thing is activity. If you can't move, then compression stockings may be of some benefit. They certainly help to prevent swelling. Don't get dehydrated. Avoid alcohol and push other fluids. As dr. White said, if you are at high risk, a preventative shot of Lovenox (enoxaparin) is often recommended.

Many measures.: When immobilized for greater than 2 hours and with increased atmospheric pressure, the calf muscle pump is reduced and this can lead to stasis and clot formation. You should wear knee length supp hose, ambulate every 2-3 hours, stay well hydrated and do not drink alcohol. Also take a baby Aspirin or even an adult Aspirin if it is a long flight both the night before and morning of the flight.

Walk around.: Moving around during flight can be helpful. Getting up and out of seat if possible and walk around every so often. If you can't get out of the seat leg exercises while seated can be performed.

Airplane: Recommend use of support stockings during airplane travel