Primary prevention

Hypercoagulable states should be incorporated into the risk assessment tools for thromboprophylaxis. Department of Health (UK): risk assessment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) Opens in new window

Maintenance of a healthy weight and active lifestyle can reduce the baseline risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Smoking cessation can also lower the risk.[101] In some cases, it may be appropriate to consider alternatives to use of the combined oral birth control pill, [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] hormone replacement therapy, or selective estrogen receptor modulators, depending on other underlying risk factors.

People embarking on long-distance travel (flights >4 hours) should be advised to take adequate hydration, avoid constrictive clothing, and do calf exercises throughout the flight. Those at high risk of VTE should consult their physician about the use of graduated compression stockings or a single prophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin on the day of the flight.[112] Contextualized recommendations regarding the prevention of VTE among long-distance travelers in Latin America are available.[113]

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