Most information about blood clots and long-distance travel comes from information that has been gathered about air travel. However, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.
However, the risk of developing DVT is increased 2-3 fold after long-haul flights (more than 4 hours). This is a higher risk than other modes of transport where there is prolonged seating and immobility.
Anyone traveling more than four hours whether by air, car, bus or train can be at risk for blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risk is generally very small, but if someone has other risk factors, including: Recent surgery or injury.
However, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.
Whether you're planning a vacation to far-off lands or take frequent business trips, traveling long distances can put strain on your body. But who's at risk for the rare-yet-serious complication of blood clots? When it comes to flying over 4 to 6 hours, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is of particular concern.
DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.
By applying a gentle pressure to the ankle in particular, flight socks help blood to flow. This is because pressure, combined with leg movement, helps blood in surface veins to move to the deep veins and back to the heart. The blood is then less likely to clot in the deep veins and cause a DVT.
The stockings are worn throughout the flight and are similar to those known to be effective in patients lying in bed after an operation. By applying a gentle pressure, to the ankle in particular, compression stockings help blood to flow.
Take your medications as prescribed
“If your doctor has not recommended that you take aspirin daily, it's not suggested that you take it when you travel to prevent blood clots,” Coogan said. “On the other hand, if you do take prescribed blood thinners, you should feel safe traveling.”
DVT symptoms
pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh) a heavy ache in the affected area. warm skin in the area of the clot. red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.
As the cabin crew is constantly on the move, their DVT risks are very low; however, pilots who sit in the cockpit for long hours are also at high risk of developing DVT.
One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight. According to Dr. Kahn, “the actual risk of a travel-related blood clot is quite small, and the average traveler doesn't need to worry about it.
A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).
If you have a past history of blood clots or would like to further reduce the probability of blood clots during long flights, wearing compression is an excellent option. Compression wear increases blood circulation in the immediate area and is comfortable and discreet.
As the blood clot worsens, the skin around it often becomes red or discolored and feels warm to the touch.
Some people don't know they have a DVT until the clot moves from their leg or arm and travels to their lung. Symptoms of acute PE include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough with blood, lightheadedness and fainting.
Typically, it doesn't take too long to recover from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many people bounce back from this condition in months, if not weeks. However, up to 50 percent of those who have experienced DVT go on to develop long-term complications.
What is a Long-Haul Flight? Each airline has a different definition of what a long-haul flight is. However, a long-haul flight is generally any direct or non-stop flight that has a journey time of between 6–12 hours.
Low cabin air pressure and poor oxygenation enhance the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in susceptible passengers, a study suggests.
Increasing leg muscle activity during long periods of sitting improves blood flow in the legs. This may include walk- ing around the cabin or exercising your lower legs and ankles while seated. Drinking adequate fluids, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, may also help by preventing dehydration.