Health experts have warned women who take a common daily pill they need to be aware of the risks when flying if they are heading for a foreign holiday this summer. Women on contraception need to be aware of the signs of a blood clot when flying.
Jamie Winn PharmD, Medical Director at Universal Drugstore, said: “Many women around the world chose the birth control pill as their method of contraception. While this medication is generally safe, it can increase your risk of developing certain medical conditions – and that includes blood clots.
“Alongside this, flying for long periods of time can also increase the risk of developing a blood clot due to the fact most people remain seated in the same position for long stretches.”
Oral contraception can increase the chance of blood clots due to the hormones contained in many birth control pills, specifically estrogen. Progestin is another hormone used in combination oral contraceptives (COCs). However, studies have shown that most progestin-only contraceptives do not increase the risk of blood clots.
Birth control pills with estrogen can increase blood clotting by raising certain clotting factors and lowering a protein that prevents clots. These hormones increase the levels of certain proteins in the blood that help form clots and reduce the amount of protein called Antithrombin III, which normally helps prevent clots from forming.
Symptoms of a blood clot
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Throbbing or cramping pain.
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Swelling, redness, and warmth in a leg or arm.
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Sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (may be worse when you breathe in), and a cough or coughing up blood. This typically happens if a blood clot breaks of and travels to your lungs.
To prevent blood clots while using contraception and flying, consider these six expert tips:
- Staying Active: Regular exercise and moving around, especially during long periods of sitting (for example, after or during a long-haul flight), can help keep your blood flowing.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your blood moving.
- Wear Compression Socks: If you are on a long-haul flight or sitting for long periods, compression socks can help improve blood flow.
- Take Breaks During Long Travel: Stand up, walk around, stretch, and exercise your calf muscles – this also applies during long car journeys.
- Avoid blocking your footwell: Try not to block your footwell with hand luggage so that you can freely move your legs and feet with small movements, encouraging blood flow; try to make use of the overhead compartment instead.
- Try choosing an aisle seat: Having an aisle seat will allow you to regularly move from your seat while flying and means you can get up and down without having to disturb others.
Jamie Winn said: “It’s important to note that blood clots are rare, and even for those on the pill the rate of incidence is estimated to be 0.06 per 100 pill-years. But blood clots are dangerous and developing one can lead to serious health problems or even death. Blood clots are particularly dangerous if they develop in the lungs, brain, or legs.
“While blood clots are rare, the risk is higher for those on long-distance flights, and those taking the contraceptive pill, so be sure to keep mobile where possible and be cautious of signs that something may be wrong. Symptoms such as swelling in the legs, particularly in just one, shortness of breath, and discoloration of the skin can be warning signs of a blood clot.”