Planning Long-Distance Travel This Summer? Here's How to Reduce Your DVT Risk

Long-distance travel can be exciting, whether embarking on a well-deserved vacation or traveling for business. However, developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) related to prolonged sitting can certainly disrupt your plans.

Chuan Jiang, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and internal medicine physician in Flushing, New York. One of his medical specialties is treating pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot (DVT), usually in the legs, travels to the lungs.

Here’s what Dr. Jiang recommends to decrease your risk of developing DVT during a long car, train, or plane trip.  

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration plays a vital role in preventing DVT. Dehydration can cause blood to thicken, increasing the risk of clot formation. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your travels. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration, opting for water or herbal tea instead.

Move regularly

Prolonged periods of sitting can impede blood circulation, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. Take regular breaks from sitting by getting up and walking around the train or plane. Stretching your legs can help if you’re in a car, but don’t skip all those roadside rest stops.

If possible, aim to move around for a few minutes every hour. Simple leg exercises like ankle rolls and toe raises can also help improve circulation.

Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings are designed to improve blood flow in the legs. They apply pressure to the lower legs, reducing the risk of blood pooling and clot formation.

Consider wearing compression stockings during your journey, especially if you have a history of DVT or other risk factors. Anyone can develop a DVT. However, factors that increase your risk include:

• Excess weight
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• History of heart failure
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement medications
• Recent injury or surgery
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
• Age, more common over 60

Dr. Jiang recommends consulting a physician to determine the appropriate compression level and fit before purchasing compression stockings.

Dress comfortably

Choose loose-fitting, non-restrictive clothing for your travel. Tight clothing, particularly around the waist, groin, or legs, can restrict blood flow and contribute to blood clot development. Also, select breathable fabrics that allow air circulation. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is essential to avoid foot swelling.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of DVT. Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, to improve circulation and keep your muscles active.

You should also eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while minimizing processed foods. If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking increases the risk of blood clot formation.

Become familiar with the symptoms of DVT

DVT occurs when blood clots develop in the deep veins, typically in the legs. These clots can impede proper blood circulation and pose serious health risks. If a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Symptoms of DVT include:

• Leg pain, cramping, or soreness that often starts in the calf
• Changes in skin color on the leg (i.e., excessive redness or purplish discoloration)
• Warmth in the affected leg
• Swelling in the affected leg

Seek treatment immediately if you develop any symptoms, especially when traveling. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of PE, which can include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens when you cough or take deep breaths
• Dizziness
• Rapid heart rate and respiratory rate

These symptoms require emergency medical care.   

For more information about lowering your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism, schedule a visit with Dr. Chuan Jiang today. Call the office or request an appointment online.