Blood clots also referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be a serious risk for some long-distance travelers.
According to the CDC, more than 300 million people travel on long-distance flights each year putting many at risk.
A lot of information referring to blood clots and long-distance travel have been in relation to air travel.
However, according to the CDC, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.
The longer you are immobile, the greater the risk you are of developing a blood clot.
Blood clots can form in deep veins of your legs during travel because you are sitting still in a confined space for long periods.
Serious health problems can occur when a part of the blood clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs creating a blockage.
This is called a pulmonary embolism, and it may be fatal. The good news is there are things you can do to protect your health and reduce your risk of blood clots during a long-distance trip.
Most people who develop travel-associated blood clots have one or more other risks for blood clots, such as:
-Older age (risk increases after age 40)
-Obesity (body mass index [BMI] greater than 30kg/m2)
-Recent surgery or injury (within 3 months)
-Use of estrogen-containing contraceptives (for example, birth control pills, rings, patches)
-Hormone replacement therapy (medical treatment in which hormones are given to reduce the effects of menopause)
-Pregnancy and the postpartum period (up to 3 months after childbirth)
-Previous blood clot or a family history of blood clots
-Active cancer or recent cancer treatment
-Limited mobility (for example, a leg cast)
-Catheter placed in a large vein
-Varicose veins
Protect Yourself and Reduce Your Risk of Blood Clots During Travel
Know what to look for. Be alert to the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for blood clots. If you have had a previous blood clot, or if a family member has a history of blood clots or an inherited clotting disorder, talk with your doctor to learn more about your individual risks.
Move your legs frequently when on long trips and exercise your calf muscles to improve the flow of blood. If you’ve been sitting for a long time, take a break to stretch your legs. Extend your legs straight out and flex your ankles (pulling your toes toward you). Some airlines suggest pulling each knee up toward the chest and holding it there with your hands on your lower leg for 15 seconds and repeat up to 10 times. These types of activities help to improve the flow of blood in your legs.
If you are at risk, talk with your doctor to learn more about how to prevent blood clots. For example, some people may benefit by wearing graduated compression stockings.
If you are on blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations on medication use.
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