Travel Health Tips: DVT or Deep Vein Trombosis

What You Should Know About DVT

Blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be a serious risk for some long-distance travelers. Most information about blood clots and long-distance travel comes from information that has been gathered about air travel. But, no matter where you travel, what activities you enjoy, or what type of transportation you use, the fact remains you have to get there and back. For many, this could mean long hours in a cramped plane, car, bus or train. However, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.

Blood clots can form in the deep veins (veins below the surface that are not visible through the skin) of your legs during travel (or when sitting for an extended period of time) because you are sitting still in a confined space for long periods of time. The longer you are immobile, the greater is your risk of developing a blood clot. The condition is serious, potentially fatal and very difficult to diagnose by external examination.

Many times the blood clot will dissolve on its own. However, a serious health problem can occur when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs causing 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.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Blood Clots During Travel:

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.

Be alert to the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Symptoms, if they occur, might include swelling of your leg or arm, muscle tension in the lower leg, a dull ache or sudden painful tear, redness or discoloration of the skin, a cramp in the calf with swelling and elevated body temperature, and pain or tenderness that you can't explain.

If you have had a previous blood clot, talk with your doctor to learn more about how to prevent blood clots.

Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for blood clots. 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.

Long-distance travelers may benefit by wearing graduated compression stockings. Graduated compression legwear, like some good quality travel socks, apply decreasing pressure from the ankle to the knee, forcing blood to the leg's deep veins, reducing pooling of blood and maintaining proper flow rate of blood to the heart and lungs. Talk to your health care provider and ask if they are right option for you.

If you are on blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations on medication use.

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, is a blood clot that can develop when sitting for an extended period of time. The condition is serious, potentially fatal and very difficult to diagnose by external examination. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot so that you can alert your doctor or seek medical treatment immediately. If discovered early, a blood clot is treatable.