It has long been suspected that travelling for long periods of time increases your risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis}, especially long journeys that involve sitting in cramped seats. As reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the risk of developing one of these deadly blood clots is three times higher for those who have travelled than for people who have not.
A DVT is a blood clot which forms in the veins deep in the legs or pelvis. These clots are dangerous because of the risk that they may break loose and travel to the heart, causing a heart attack, or to the lung, causing what is known as a pulmonary embolism. Either of these conditions can be fatal.
People at higher risk for DVT are those with blood clotting disorders, women taking supplemental estrogens, anyone with a chronic illness, and people who are very obese. The symptoms of a blood clot are usually not immediate, and involve noticeable swelling of the leg, as well as redness and pain.
To avoid developing a blood clot while travelling, doctors recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, as this helps to “thin out” the blood. Airplane travel can be very dehydrating, so stick to water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Most importantly, flex your calf muscles frequently or, better yet, get up and move every hour if you can.
Although the risk of developing a DVT from travelling is very low, the risk is still there, and you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of DVT, as well as know how to avoid developing this potentially deadly condition. If you develop redness, swelling, or pain in your leg following travel, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment consists of taking medication to thin your blood.
Related Links:
Travel Tips for Expecting Moms from Health Guru
Deep Vein Thrombosis from Medline Plus
Deep Vein Thrombosis- Topic Overview from Web MD
