Frequent travel often involves extended periods of sitting, which increases the likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot formed within a central vein of the legs. In some cases, fragments of these clots can break loose, traveling to the lungs and causing a sudden blockage known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary Embolism, or PE, can cause mild symptoms like shortness of breath and slight chest pain, while more severe cases can be life-threatening. While such blood clots are relatively rare, they are profoundly dangerous and can result in fatalities. This is a topic that hits close to home for me. Several years ago, a physician colleague took a long flight from the US back home to visit family in her native country. She had just had her first child and wanted to introduce her baby to her extended family in India. Unfortunately, she passed away several weeks after her return from a blood clot that had formed in her leg during the long flight and subsequently traveled to her lungs. Below, we discuss a few strategies to safeguard against blood clot formation during your travels and hopefully help prevent a tragedy like this from reoccurring.
Clots can occur from being in a seated position for an extended period. The risk of DVT is present whether you are traveling in a plane, a car, a train, or a boat.
Extended periods of sitting without standing or moving around can result in blood pooling in the leg veins, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Additionally, various other factors can elevate your risk of developing blood clots, including:
- A prior history of blood clots.
- A family history of blood clot occurrences.
- Known clotting disorders.
- Recent surgical procedures, hospitalization, or injuries.
- Use of birth control or hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen.
- Current or recent pregnancy.
- Advanced age.
- Obesity.
- Cancer or undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Severe medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure or inflammatory bowel disease.
Having more than one risk factor significantly increases your risk for clot development.
Preventing Blood Clots During Travel:
Take proactive steps to prevent the formation of blood clots:
- Stand up or take short walks periodically.
- Opt for an aisle seat to allow for movement every 2-3 hours.
- When traveling by car, include breaks for stretching and walking in your itinerary.
- While seated, exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs by performing the following exercises:
- Raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor.
- Raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.
- Tighten and release your leg muscles.
- Consult with your physician regarding the use of compression stockings or medications before your trip if you possess additional risk factors for blood clots.
- It is not recommended to take aspirin for blood clot prevention during travel unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Recognizing and Managing Blood Clots
It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms to identify potential blood clot development promptly:
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the affected area (typically the leg).
- Unexplained discomfort or tenderness.
- Red and warm-to-the-touch skin.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism:
- Breathing difficulties.
- An unusually rapid heartbeat.
- Chest pain that worsens during coughing or deep breaths.
- Coughing up blood.
- Lightheadedness or fainting.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and fatalities.
To diagnose deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, healthcare professionals employ various tests, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans, to detect clots.
Typically, blood clots are managed using medications or devices designed to dissolve, break apart, remove, or capture the clots. Medications are usually prescribed for several weeks or months to prevent further clot formation and allow the body to dissolve or heal existing clots.