Flying on an airplane can increase your risk for blood clots, and you may need to avoid air travel for a period of time following the diagnosis of a clot. Sitting still for extended periods of time can affect blood circulation and lead to the development of blood clots.

Most gas molecules in the atmosphere are pulled close to Earth’s surface by gravity, so gas particles are denser near the surface. With greater depth of the atmosphere, more air is pressing down from above. Therefore, air pressure is greatest at sea level and falls with increasing altitude.

Travel to 3500 m should be avoided unless patients have stable disease, preserved left ventricular function without residual capacity, and above-normal exercise capacity. CHD patients should avoid travel to elevations above 4500 m owing to severe hypoxia at these altitudes.

While there’s some debate as to the connection, some studies have found evidence that the prevalence of DVT within 48 hours of flying on a plane is 2 to 10 percent. That’s the same rate that people in hospitals develop DVT. Staying in a hospital is another risk factor for DVT.

Compression stockings not only improve blood flow, but also reduce swelling and pain. They are particularly recommended for the prevention of DVT because the pressure stops blood from pooling and clotting.

Signs of PE might include the following: Shortness of breath. A rapid heartbeat. Chest pain or discomfort that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.

Yes. Medications that are commonly called blood thinners — such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and heparin — significantly decrease your risk of blood clotting, but will not decrease the risk to zero.