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22.10.2014 Opinion

Travellers Heed Advice About Blood Clots During Air Travel

By Raffy Karamanoukian
Travellers Heed Advice About Blood Clots During Air Travel
22.10.2014 LISTEN

The expansive growth of industrialization in African nations has met with unprecedented increases in air travel to and from Africa. With this expansion in industrialization has come an increase in global air travel.

The population of leisure travellers has also risen, with tourism again experiencing significant growth among hospitality and air reservations. With the increase in air travel, leading vein specialists urge travellers to take precautions to reduce the risk of leg swelling and blood clots across long distance flights.

“The risk of blood clots remains finite across all segments of the population,” advises Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. HratchKaramanoukian. “We advise patients to take frequent breaks while travelling in airplanes.” Dr. Karamanoukian is a member of the American College of Phlebology, which has also issued a warning to travellers to maintain good vein health while travelling.

“Blood clots can lead to serious health concerns,” adds Dr. RaffyKaramanoukian, a vein specialist in Beverly Hills. “The airline industry has been instrumental in educating the public about the risks of blood clots, or DVT's.” Blood clots in the legs and can lead to a blockage in circulation leading to the feet. More importantly, the blood clots can migrate to the lungs and heart, leading to serious medical emergencies.

According to the World Health Organization, sitting in a plane for over four hours can double your risk of developing a blood clot. A single study in the Lancet estimated that approximately one million cases of recognizable blood clots occur each year in the United States.

With international travel, particularly to Africa, becoming easier, travellers must exercise caution when flying for long distances. Dr. Karamanoukian advises patients to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks while sitting for long periods of time, wear proper fitting flight socks or hose, wear loose fitting clothes, and perform leg and ankle flexing exercises while in the plane.

For those with concomitant heart problems or immobility caused by recent injury or surgery, seek the advice of a knowledgeable surgeon or physician about travel restrictions. International and national airline carrier websites can also provide valuable tips for air travel, especially in the elderly and immobile.

Media are advised to contact Dr. HratchKaramanoukian or Dr. RaffyKaramanoukian to advise the public on the importance of prevention in vein health. “Our aim is to work closely with healthcare leaders to promote the practice of vein care.”

Dr. HratchKaramanoukian is a triple board certified cardiovascular surgeon, vein expert, and celebrated author of multiple textbooks on vein disease. He has been featured on national media campaigns and directs international media towards vein health policy. Information: www.VeinGuide.com

Dr. RaffyKaramanoukian is a double board certified plastic surgeon and vein expert in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. He has achieved celebrity in his authorship and research in the fields of cosmetic plastic surgery and laser therapy. Dr. Karamanoukian has been featured on national media, including The Doctors television show, promoting his advanced approach to vein health.

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