Safety during the flight: 3 ways to help prevent blood clots during a flight

Although the risk of dying in an airplane crash is one of the least likely among other modes of transportation, there are other circumstances that can shorten a life on an airplane. One of them is the formation and rupture of a blood clot.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an abnormal condition in which, as a result of sitting and staying in cramped conditions, such as during a flight, an abnormal blood clot forms in a deep vein in the leg or pelvis. It can be the cause of death. HuffPost spoke with Professor Mark Whiteley, a leading venous surgeon and founder of the Whiteley Clinic, to find out how you can reduce the risk of developing DVT during long-distance flights.

Stay active during the flight

"It's important to stay as active as possible during the flight, especially if it's a long flight (more than 4 hours)," Dr. Whiteley says.

To do this, just walk around the cabin, go about your business, and do exercises and stretching every half hour to an hour.

Wear compression socks

Sometimes these socks, which are especially necessary for those who are at increased risk of developing thrombosis, can be found right at the airport shops. They will help

Dr. Whiteley explained that stockings with graduated pressure below the knee can significantly improve the well-being of the legs and can be used as regular stockings.

Drink more water

The air in an airplane cabin is almost completely devoid of moisture, so keeping hydrated can be incredibly important in making our blood "thicker and stickier." According to Dr. Whiteley, plain water can be replaced with juices if desired, but coffee, alcohol, and tea should definitely be avoided.

"Blood flows more slowly in veins than in arteries. Therefore, dehydration can increase the likelihood of blood clots in the veins," Mark Whiteley said.