Expert tips for recognizing symptoms and reducing blood clot risk during extended sitting
GREENBELT, Md. — With spring travel ramping up, Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is reminding the public that anyone traveling more than four hours by air, car, bus or train can be at risk for potentially deadly blood clots, particularly people with additional risk factors.
The CDC notes that venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), may affect as many as 900,000 people each year in the U.S. DVT is a serious medical condition where a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs or pelvis. A PE occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung.
“Sitting for extended periods of time slows the blood flow out of the legs,” said Laura Kelsey, MD, lead vein physician at CVR vein clinics in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, Michigan. “For patients with additional risk factors, travel can be the tipping point for a potentially dangerous blood clot. Talk to your clinician before your next trip, not after.”
Who should be extra cautious?
CDC-identified risk factors include prior blood clots, family history, known clotting disorders, recent surgery or hospitalization, pregnancy, estrogen-containing birth control or hormone replacement therapy, cancer or cancer treatment, older age and obesity.
What to watch for after travel
Seek immediate medical care for any of the following:
- DVT symptoms can include leg swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth and redness or discoloration.
- PE symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, coughing up blood, lightheadedness or fainting.
Simple movement reminders for long trips
The CDC encourages travelers to move their legs frequently and walk around every one to two hours when possible, know symptoms and discuss prevention with a clinician if at risk.
