From the Guidelines
Aspirin should not be used as a routine preventive measure for deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) in long-distance travelers without risk factors, as the evidence for its effectiveness is very low. According to the American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines, the use of aspirin for VTE prophylaxis in long-distance travelers without risk factors is not recommended due to the low certainty of evidence 1.
For individuals at high risk of flight-related DVT, other preventive strategies such as wearing compression stockings, staying hydrated, and performing leg exercises may be more effective 1. The LONFLIT-3 study found that enoxaparine, a low-molecular-weight heparin, was more effective than aspirin in preventing asymptomatic DVT in high-risk individuals 1.
When considering preventive measures for DVTs during long flights, it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Aspirin may not be the most effective choice, and its use should be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual risk factors and medical history 1.
Some key strategies to prevent DVTs during long flights include:
- Wearing compression stockings (15-30 mmHg) to reduce the incidence of asymptomatic DVT and leg edema 1
- Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and caffeine during flights
- Performing leg exercises, such as calf muscle exercises, to improve popliteal venous flow 1
- Walking periodically during the flight to reduce immobility
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the best preventive strategy based on individual risk factors and medical history 1.
From the Research
Aspirin Use Before Long Flights to Prevent DVTs
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that aspirin can be used before long flights to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have investigated the use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but these do not provide information on its use for preventing DVTs during long flights 2, 4.
- Research has focused on the use of intermittent pneumatic compression and graduated compression stockings for DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients, but not specifically for long-distance travelers 3, 5, 6.
- One study found that intermittent pneumatic compression, alone or in combination with aspirin or low-dose warfarin, effectively reduces the rate of proximal-vein thrombosis after total hip replacement, but this does not directly relate to long-distance travel 6.
- There is no clear evidence to support the use of aspirin as a preventative measure for DVTs in individuals taking long flights, and other methods such as compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression may be more effective 3, 5, 6.