Ask an Expert: Dr. Mehran Moussavian

Dr. Mehran Moussavian

Traveling this holiday season? If you are, you've likely planned for a number of health scenarios, from motion sickness to headaches and food poisoning from midair meals, but have you considered deep-vein thrombosis, one of the most serious travel threats of all? Dr. Mehran Moussavian, a Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center-affiliated interventional cardiologist, explains the condition.

What is deep-vein thrombosis?
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs and thighs, causing blood flow to become blocked and resulting in pain and swelling. It is often associated with long periods of immobility, including flights, bed rest and surgery or confinement to cramped quarters.

Why is it dangerous?
In serious cases, DVT can cause embolisms, which can result in tissue death, respiratory failure or other potentially fatal conditions. Sometimes, embolisms travel paradoxically from the right to the left side of the heart via a small hole called the patent foreman ovale and cause a stroke.

How can it be prevented?
Most people do not need to take special precautions to reduce their risk, however it's a good idea for anyone immobile for a prolonged period of time to stand up and stretch their calves, as well as drink water regularly. Those at particular risk can take a physician-approved anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin, or blood thinner like heparin to reduce the risk of clot formation.

How is it treated?
If a blood clot has formed, your doctor may prescribe an oral blood thinner like coumadin. Wearing compression stockings or undergoing a venous thrombectomy, a surgical procedure performed with catheters, may also be recommended.