Interní Med. 2012; 14(10): 389-390

How to prevent traveller‘s thrombosis?

MUDr.Alena Broulíková, CSc.

III. interní klinika 1. LF UK Praha a VFN

The need for preventing venous thrombosis results from the severity of complications of this condition; in the acute phase, there is

a risk of pulmonary embolism, later on there are symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome with the development of advanced stages of

chronic venous insufficiency with skin manifestations that may ultimately result in the development of leg ulcer. One of the risk factors of

venous thrombosis is the slowing of blood flow in lower limb veins and this is a major risk factor that causes a more frequent occurrence

of venous thrombosis in long-distance travellers. The strategy of appropriate prophylactic measures depends on the degree of risk of

developing venous thrombosis in each particular patient with respect to the presence of risk factors. Nonpharmacological strategies

(lifestyle measures, lower limb exercise, drinking regimen) are sufficient in individuals with a low or no risk of venous thrombosis. Additional

preventive measures (elastic compression or even pharmacological prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease) are appropriate in

those with moderate and high risks of thromboembolic disease. When the individual methods of prevention are combined, their effect

is multiplied, which is suitable in persons with a particularly high risk of venous thrombosis.

Keywords: venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolisation, prevention, traveling, physical methods, pharmacological methods

Published: November 1, 2012  Show citation