Ask the doctor: Compression stockings for long-distance travel?
The sluggish blood flow can also cause small blood clots to form. In rare cases, one may plug a vein and block blood flow, causing a painful condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If the clot moves to the lungs, it can be fatal. Some studies suggest that wearing compression stockings might help prevent DVT on long airplane flights, though it is not clear if it prevents the big clots that can kill.
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