Nicholas Hoult says he is ‘at risk of deep vein thrombosis’ because of his height
Nicholas Hoult has revealed that he is at higher risk of suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when he flies due to his height.
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The Nosferatu star, 35, revealed that his mother bought him compression socks to wear when he travels by airplane to reduce the risk of DVT.
DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in the vein, and usually happens in the leg. It can be dangerous and requires urgent medical attention.
Appearing on YouTuber Brittany Broski’s online show, Brittany Broski’s Royal Court, Hoult was asked about his father being a commercial pilot and his preferences while flying.
He said flights usually make him desperate for water, as the air is dry, and Broski joked that he must get swollen ankles.
"How do you know about my ankles?" Hoult responded. "My mum got me compression socks. Apparently because I’m tall, I’m at risk of deep vein thrombosis."
Who is at risk of DVT?
According to the NHS, some people may be at higher risk of DVT if they:
Over 60
Are overweight
Smoke
Have had DVT before
Take the contraceptive pill or HRT
Have cancer or heart failure
Have varicose veins
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis also found that tall men measuring between 195cm and 200cm (6”3’ and 6”5’) are nearly three times as likely to be at increased risk for DVT compared to men whose height fell under 200cm.
The risk increased to nearly four times among men who were taller than 200cm.
In women, the risk is lower but remains higher than those who are shorter. Women taller than 185cm (6”) were 1.5 times as likely to be at increased risk of DVT.
In both men and women, the study found that there was a “slight additionally increased risk” if they led a sedentary lifestyle.
Hoult, who became known in 2006 for his role as Tony Stonem in Skins, is 6”2’.
The risk of DVT increases when flying long distances because most passengers will be sitting for a prolonged period of time, causing blood to pool in the veins of the legs. Studies show that wearing compression stockings have the potential to reduce the risk of DVT by putting gradual pressure on the leg.
This pressure, alongside muscular activity in the limb, could help move blood along through the vein systems.
Symptoms of DVT
Symptoms of DVT include:
Throbbing pain in one leg, usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up
Swelling in one leg
Warm skin around the painful area
Red or darkened skin around the painful area
Swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them
If you think you have DVT, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111. You should call 999 or go to A&E if you are experiencing symptoms of DVT coupled with breathlessness and chest pain.
DVT can become extremely dangerous because blood clots can travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
Read more about health and wellness:
The most important thing you can do on a flight if you're on birth control (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Gal Gadot suffered 'massive' blood clot in brain during fourth pregnancy (Cover Media, 2-min read)
England’s blood service is one of the safest in the world today – health leaders (PA Media, 4-min read)
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