Each time I fly, my mom at all times jogs my memory to stand up and stroll round to stop blood clots. I sometimes nod my head in response with none intention of following by way of.
Nevertheless it seems Kathleen is not simply being a very cautious father or mother — it is best to really prioritize motion when touring for sustained durations of time.
“When you’re sitting for extended durations throughout a flight in a good house, you will get some blood pooling within the veins of the decrease extremities, as your leg muscular tissues aren’t as engaged to assist the blood pump,” says Dr. Allyson Pishko, a hematologist at Penn Medication. “For many, this isn’t vital sufficient to trigger a blood clot, however in sufferers who’re vulnerable to blood clot formation, journey generally is a threat issue for clot formation.”
So, whereas the common particular person is just not susceptible to growing blood clots whereas touring, it is nonetheless useful to know what signs to look out for to keep away from the onset of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the steps to take to attenuate its chance.
How does touring enhance the chance of blood clots?
“DVTs, [which are] blood clots that type in your decrease extremities, can happen with extended sitting — whether or not in a aircraft, automotive or practice,” says Dr. Jenny Yu, chief well being officer for RVO Well being, which is owned by TPG’s father or mother firm, Pink Ventures.
“The blood clots are more than likely to happen both in an individual’s legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism),” mentioned Dr. Andrew Peseki, a hematologist at Duke Well being.
In response to Peseki, whereas the opportunity of a travel-induced blood clot will increase on journeys of 4 hours or extra, the chance stays “delicate” for most individuals.
This was additionally supported by Dr. Jay Bishop, a vascular medication specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
“Quick airline flights lower than 4 hours in all probability do not enhance the chance of blood clots, and even flights over 4 hours have a small total threat,” mentioned Bishop.
Day by day E-newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day e-newsletter
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
What makes you extra prone to develop blood clots?
A number of elements could make an individual extra vulnerable to growing a blood clot, together with preexisting circumstances similar to blood clot problems, latest surgical procedure or damage, most cancers remedies, older age, weight problems, use of estrogen-containing contraception or hormone alternative remedy, being pregnant and restricted mobility, amongst others.
“The widespread themes with [all of these] is thickened blood and stagnation,” Yu famous.
Should you fall into one in every of these classes, take further precautions to assist forestall blood clots and hold a watch out for any signs.
What are the signs of a blood clot?
Understanding you’ve a blood clot might be difficult, as you may typically write off the signs as one thing else — however there are a couple of key warning indicators to concentrate to when touring. Should you expertise these signs, it is best to search medical assist instantly, particularly if one leg feels it greater than the opposite.
“Swelling, ache, discoloration, heat of the pores and skin of your decrease or higher extremities are indicators of a blood clot,” mentioned Dr. Yu. “Shortness of breath, chest ache, elevated coronary heart price and cough ought to trigger somebody to hunt consideration.”
Yu additionally famous that somebody may have signs of a pulmonary embolism with out the signs of deep vein thrombosis.
For instance, when TPG’s former social media director developed a blood clot throughout a six-hour flight house from Iceland, she wakened with aching calves and felt dizzy, scorching and lightheaded.
Should you expertise any of those signs throughout a flight, inform the airline crew instantly.
How will you forestall a blood clot?
Now you recognize what signs to search for — however what vital steps can you’re taking to keep away from getting a blood clot within the first place?
As is at all times the case with touring, it is best to make it a precedence to remain hydrated, since dehydration can thicken your blood and gradual circulation.
“Purpose to drink 90 to 120 ounces of water per day and keep away from extreme caffeine or alcohol, which may contribute to dehydration,” mentioned Jessica Lefkowitz, PT, DPT from Bespoke Bodily Remedy Occasions Sq.. “The adjustments in altitude and stress throughout air journey may also have an effect on your hydration ranges, so be aware of ingesting water all through your flight.”
The second tip is to your hold your extremities shifting, as my mom tells me to do.
“This could embrace stopping extra ceaselessly and strolling round if driving or getting up and doing a couple of laps within the aisles of an airplane each two hours,” recommends Dr. Peseki.
Lefkowitz additionally suggests stretching — particularly your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors — to advertise blood stream.
I take into consideration this on all journey days. I am going to work out earlier than the flight and take a stroll to get some further steps in. You probably have an early morning flight, even a stroll on the airport earlier than boarding is healthier than nothing. I additionally attempt to stand as a lot as potential forward of boarding in anticipation of sitting for some time.
“Doing easy physique workout routines whereas seated is useful, together with neck rolls, shoulder stretches, ankle circles, foot pumps and knee to chest stretching,” mentioned Dr. Bishop at Cleveland Clinic.
In case you are a traveler in danger for blood clots, seek the advice of your physician forward of journey to see if they’d advocate taking a low dose of a blood thinner, similar to child aspirin, advises Yu.
“Sporting knee-high compression socks can help blood circulation by aiding blood return from the toes to the guts,” says Lefkowitz. “The adjustments in altitude throughout flight can enhance swelling and fluid retention within the legs, and compression socks might help cut back this.”
Some TPG employees favorites embrace:
And naturally, for vacationers who’ve a historical past of blood clots or are at the moment on treatment to stop such, Dr. Pishko advises taking treatment earlier than journey and packing it of their carry-on.
Backside line
Sure persons are extra susceptible to growing blood clots throughout flying. You probably have preexisting circumstances or a household historical past of blood clots, make sure you seek the advice of your physician for particular recommendation when touring.
Sure steps, like hydration and preflight motion, are useful for all vacationers in minimizing the chance of growing a blood clot.
Associated studying: