Flying for the Holidays? Here’s How to Manage Your Deep Vein Thrombosis
Dec 02, 2024
When a blood clot forms in one of the veins deep inside your body, it poses dangers, including a very serious one — that the clot could break loose, travel, and end up blocking blood from getting to your lungs (a pulmonary embolism).
Even if this worst-case scenario doesn’t happen and the clot stays put, it can do permanent damage to the valves in your vein. Clots often tend to develop in the legs.
You can count on the competent and caring team at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire. They offer effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but they’re also invested in educating patients about the critical role of self-care and preventive steps in lowering their risk.
We’re eager to answer our patients’ questions about DVT, and since we’re entering the holiday season when many people fly long distances to see loved ones, we have tips for preserving your vein health, even if you’re stuck sitting on a plane.
There are two types of veins in the body:
The blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of your body are the arteries, while your veins handle the blood’s return trip back to your heart.
DVT-related clots can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling in your veins. You may also notice skin discoloration, vein thickening (cording), or a distended vein.
The worrisome thing is that many people experience no DVT symptoms at all. This is why your Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire vein specialist wants you to know what you can do to lower your chances of experiencing problems with a clot when you’re traveling by air.
We offer venous disease evaluations that are useful in helping you and your doctor determine your level of vein health, and how at-risk you are for DVT.
As you pack your bags and look forward to the holidays with family and friends, remember that flying for an extended period triples your risk for developing a blood clot during or a bit after your flight. The decreased air pressure in planes also causes your blood to flow more slowly.
Guard against the development of a leg clot by taking these precautions.
You’re most at risk for a clot if you’re on a flight that lasts for four hours or more. When you make your travel arrangements, see if you can avoid a direct flight and get a connecting flight instead. This allows you to get up and walk.
It’s a good idea to massage your leg muscles during your flight. Bring a tennis ball on your carry-on bag, place it on your thigh, and roll it up and down your leg periodically during the flight. Do both legs, too. You can also put the ball under your thigh and move your leg so the ball massages the underneath muscles, too.
Once the “fasten seat belt” sign is turned off, get up once per hour and walk up and down the aisle of the plane. This helps your blood flow.
You can also contact your airline before you fly, as they may be able to permit you to move more if they know you’re medically more at risk for a blood clot.
Opt for an aisle seat, a bulkhead seat (the seats behind the wall of a plane that separates first class from coach), or pay a bit extra for a seat with more legroom. All can help you move around more easily.
How you sit is important, too. Avoid crossing your legs, since this constricts blood flow.
Wearing compression socks on your flight encourages better blood circulation. You can get guidance on which ones to purchase from your Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire provider.
Also, opt for comfortable clothing that’s not too tight during your flight.