Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT 101)
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of your body's deep veins. It most often occurs in the legs and arms, but it can also form in other blood vessels throughout the body.Symptoms of DVT occur around the part of the body where the clot forms. If the clot is in your leg, you may feel these symptoms (though about half of people with DVT have no symptoms):
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Redness
If a blood clot in the leg breaks loose and travels up the bloodstream to the lung, it can block blood vessels in your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism. This can be fatal, especially if the clot is large or if you have existing heart or lung problems.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially with breathing or coughing
- Faster than normal heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or passing out
- Very low blood pressure
- Coughing up blood
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are serious health threats. They affect 350,000 to 600,000 people each year. And, more than 100,000 people die as a result.
The link between travel and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
People who travel are at risk for forming blood clots. Blood normally flows freely through your body, so it has no reason to clot. But, when you sit still for long time - four hours or more - the blood flow in your legs can get sluggish. This can set you up for a blood clot.The risk may be even greater when traveling by air. Low cabin pressure and low humidity on airplanes, coupled with dehydration, may contribute to DVT.
Other risk factors
In addition to being still for a long time, other factors raise your risk for DVT:- Previous blood clots
- A history of heart disease, stroke or cancer
- Pregnancy and the first six weeks after giving birth
- Certain medicines that make your blood more likely to clot, such as birth control pills containing estrogen
- Recent surgery
- Recent injury to a deep vein
- Having a central venous catheter
- Smoking
- Over age 60
- Overweight and obesity
Safe travels
There are some things you can do before and during your trip to help cut your risk for DVT.Before you set off on your travels, take these safety measures:
- Try compression stockings. First check with your doctor to see if they're right for you. These special stockings put pressure on the leg muscles to keep blood flowing. They may be extra beneficial when traveling for eight hours or more.
- Ask your doctor about taking a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) if you've had DVT before or are at especially high risk. These medicines help stop clots from forming.
- Have healthy habits. Get regular exercise, with your doctor's permission. Reach or maintain a healthy weight and don't smoke.
- Take walk breaks every two to three hours to get blood flowing. Stop at a rest area or walk around in the aisles of the plane or train for a few minutes.
- Exercise your legs. Point and flex your toes and tighten and release you leg muscles every few hours.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Related Articles:
- Enjoy Your Flight With These Health Tips
- Flying With a Medical Condition? Planning Ahead Can Make Your Flight a Breeze
- How To Create and Make a Senior Travel Health Kit
- A First Aid Kit for Travelers
SOURCES:
- American Heart Association. Economy-class syndrome and deep vein thrombosis.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. How can deep vein thrombosis be prevented?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Are you at risk for deep vein thrombosis?
- Keystone JS, Steffen R, Kozarsky PE. Health advice for international travelers. In: Guerrant RL, Walker DH, Weller PF, eds. Tropical Infectious Diseases. 2nd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2006.