By Emily Miller
If you traveling for an extended period of time, you may be exposing yourself to potential blood clots that could be extremely hazardous, if left untreated.
Most information about blood clots and traveling comes from information that has been gathered about air travel. However, anyone traveling more than four hours – whether by air, car, bus or train – could be at risk for blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Blood clots can take time to develop after traveling, so watch out for signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in your leg or pulmonary embolism (PE) – a blood clot in your lungs.
DVT develop as a lack of blood circulation in your legs due to being in a confined space for an extended period of time. Often times the blood clot will dissolve on its own.
Signs and Symptoms include the following:
· Swelling, typically in part of the body
· Leg pain or tenderness
· Discoloration
· Leg warm to touch
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 (PE) and can be fatal, if not treated in a timely manner.
Signs and symptoms include the following:
· Sudden shortness of breathe
· Chest pain – sharp, stabbing
· Rapid heart rate
· Unexplained coughing
· Anxiety
· Lightheadedness, or fainting
Fortunately, your risk of developing such conditions is reality low, and there are some simple, effective ways to reduce your risk of developing blood clots during a long-distance trip.
Tips to prevent blood clots:
· Get up and move around every hour or so
· If you can’t move around often, do heel or toes raises while sitting down
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
· Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
· Wear loose clothing
· Avoid using sleeping pills and/or long rest periods
· Do not cross your legs
According to the CDC, travel-related blood clots are more likely to form in individuals who have one or more of the following risk factors, such as:
· Older age (risk increase after age 40)
· Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
· Inability to move (e.g., a leg cast)
· Pregnant or gave birth within last six weeks
· Active cancer or recent cancer treatment
· Varicose veins
· Recent surgery or injury within last three months
· Birth control pills, patch, or ring
· Previous DVT or PE (blood clot)
· Hormone replacement therapy
The combination of long-distance travel with one or more of these risks may increase the likelihood of developing a blood clot. The more risks you have, the greater your chance of experiencing a blood clot.
If you plan on traveling soon, talk with your doctor to learn more about what you can do to protect your health. Your doctor may recommend compression stockings or blood thinners to further prevent blood clots.
It is also advised to contact your health insurance provider to make sure your policy is up-to-date. Additional travel insurance may also be taken out, if your health insurance doesn’t fully cover your needs.
