Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a medical condition, and it can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots can develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they may appear in other parts of the body. While DVT is a serious condition, understanding its connection to long-distance travel helps you recognize the factors that contribute to its development. Here is more information about the link between DVT and long-distance travel:
Prolonged Sitting
Long periods of sitting are part of travel by car, bus, train, or plane because your body remains in a fixed position. This lack of movement for many hours is a primary contributor to DVT risk, so you need to be mindful. Understanding this connection is the first step toward proactive care while traveling.
Your muscles help pump blood through your veins when you move your legs. Because sitting still for extended periods means your calf muscles do not contract, blood pools in your legs. Blood collects in the legs, and this stillness increases the likelihood of a clot forming.
The risk is not just about being seated; it is about being confined. You have limited space to stretch or change your position, so your options for movement are restricted. Your leg veins experience increased pressure. This sustained pressure on the veins, combined with other factors, increases the risk of DVT.
Slowed Circulation
Travel may involve conditions that naturally slow down your body’s circulation. With deep vein thrombosis, blood flow becomes less efficient. This sluggish circulation is a significant factor in the formation of blood clots, because it gives clots an opportunity to form. This is especially true in the deep veins of your legs.
When you are inactive for hours, your heart rate slows, and your blood moves more leisurely through your veins. Your leg muscles are not contracting to push blood back toward the heart, so the circulatory process is less effective. Reduced blood flow creates an environment where blood clotting can increase, which can lead to the formation of a DVT.
Increased Clot Risk
Several factors during travel may combine to heighten the risk of clot formation. Dehydration is a typical issue on long trips, because people may drink less water, and the dry air in airplane cabins. Dehydration may cause blood to thicken, making it more prone to clotting.
Because other individual factors also play a role, your personal health history can influence your risk. People with certain medical conditions or lifestyles may be more susceptible, and several factors may apply. Some of these factors include:
- Personal history of blood clots
- Older age
- Recent surgery or injury
Lowered Cabin Pressure
Air travel presents a unique environmental factor through cabin pressure. The air pressure inside an airplane cabin is lower than it is at sea level. This change in atmospheric pressure can have subtle effects on the body. While you are flying, lower blood oxygen levels might contribute to a higher tendency to clot.
Treat Deep Vein Thrombosis
Recognizing the symptoms of DVT is a key step in seeking timely medical attention. A doctor can perform tests to confirm the presence of a clot and suggest a course of action. Your doctor will create a plan based on your specific situation. If you have concerns about DVT or are planning a long trip, contact a vascular specialist to discuss your personal risk factors and proactive steps you can take.
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