Anna Remková
Venous thrombosis can be caused by prolonged sitting in cramped position during air travel. The symptoms of venous thromboembolism can develop up to one month after a long-haul flight. It is known that some inherited and acquired factors increase the risk for travel-related thrombosis. Assessment of thrombotic risk factors can help in identifying those at risk, but even passengers with low to moderate risk can develop travel-related thrombosis. This can be explained by too much flying, as the risk increases exponentially with flight duration. Active prophylaxis includes physical measures and antithrombotic drugs. Since the evidence-based data are limited, passengers with risk factors should be advised on an individual basis. The Aerospace Medical Association guidelines for prevention of travel-related venous thrombosis are based on risk assesssment and approved by expert consensus. For moderate risk these guidelines suggest aspirin ± compression stockings, and for highrisk group low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis.