International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

Venous Thromboembolism Following Travel

Authors
Morteza Izadi 1
Mohammad Javad Alemzadeh-Ansari 2
Davood Kazemisaleh 3
Nematollah Jonidi 1
1 Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Cardiology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
International travel has become increasingly common and accessible, hence, about two billion passengers undertake international and domestic air travel each year. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious public health disorder which may occur following prolonged travel, especially after air travel. A direct relation between VTE development and prolonged travels has been documented, while some references did not confirm this relation. The travel-related VTE is a multi-factorial disorder, and the risk of thrombosis is higher in individuals with pre-existing risk factors. Some believe that hypobaric hypoxia was a more likely explanation for thrombus formation during prolonged travel. Other factors including immobilization, dehydration, excessive alcohol or coffee consumption, lower air pressure, and lower humidity can make the traveler prone to thrombus formation. Herein we tried to evaluate previous studies and available guidelines thereby providing information on the association of thrombosis and travel, risk factors, risk assessment, and strategies for the prevention of VTE following travel.
Keywords
Venous Thromboembolism
Travel
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  • Receive Date 02 February 2014
  • Revise Date 24 February 2014
  • Accept Date 02 March 2014