Practical guidance for living healthier, aging well, and becoming more of who you want to be.
What travelers should know about circulation, movement, and warning signs on trips longer than four hours.
Long periods of sitting can contribute to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot usually forming in a deep leg vein. Part of a clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. For most travelers the risk is small, but risk rises when long travel combines with personal risk factors.
Who should ask a clinician before travel?
Risk factors include a previous clot, recent surgery or injury, active cancer, limited mobility, obesity, estrogen therapy, certain chronic conditions, inherited clotting disorders, and older age. A clinician can advise whether compression stockings or other prevention is appropriate. Do not begin aspirin solely for travel unless instructed; CDC guidance does not recommend it for this purpose.
Move regularly
On long trips, move your legs frequently and walk when it is safe. CDC suggests walking about every one to two hours. In your seat, flex the ankles, raise heels and toes, and tighten and release calf muscles. Road travelers can schedule walking breaks.
Know the warning signs
DVT symptoms can include unexplained swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, and redness or discoloration, usually in one limb. Pulmonary embolism may cause sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, coughing blood, lightheadedness, or fainting. Seek urgent medical help for possible pulmonary embolism.
Comfort is not the same as prevention
Loose clothing, an aisle seat, and reasonable hydration may make travel more comfortable, but they do not replace individualized advice for a high-risk traveler.
Bottom line: Most people travel without a clot. Know your risk, move regularly, and recognize symptoms that require prompt care.
Sources
This article is educational and not individualized medical advice.
