Each time I fly, my mom all the time jogs my memory to stand up and stroll round to stop blood clots. I usually nod my head in response with none intention of following by.
But it surely seems Kathleen is not simply being an excessively 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 muscle mass will not be 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 prone to blood clot formation, journey could be a threat issue for clot formation.”
So, whereas the typical particular person will not be 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 probability.
How does touring improve the chance of blood clots?
“DVTs, [which are] blood clots that kind in your decrease extremities, can happen with extended sitting — whether or not in a airplane, 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, Crimson Ventures.
“The blood clots are almost definitely to happen both in an individual’s legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism),” stated Dr. Andrew Peseki, a hematologist at Duke Well being.
Based on Peseki, whereas the opportunity of a travel-induced blood clot will increase on journeys of 4 hours or extra, the chance stays “gentle” for most individuals.
This was additionally supported by Dr. Jay Bishop, a vascular medication specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
“Brief airline flights lower than 4 hours most likely do not improve the chance of blood clots, and even flights over 4 hours have a small general threat,” stated Bishop.
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What makes you extra more likely to develop blood clots?
A number of elements could make an individual extra prone to growing a blood clot, together with preexisting circumstances akin to blood clot problems, current surgical procedure or damage, most cancers therapies, older age, weight problems, use of estrogen-containing contraception or hormone substitute remedy, being pregnant and restricted mobility, amongst others.
“The widespread themes with [all of these] is thickened blood and stagnation,” Yu famous.
If you happen to fall into considered one of these classes, take further precautions to assist stop blood clots and hold an eye fixed out for any signs.
What are the signs of a blood clot?
Realizing you will have a blood clot will be tough, as you possibly can typically write off the signs as one thing else — however there are a couple of key warning indicators to concentrate to when touring. If you happen to 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,” stated 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 awakened with aching calves and felt dizzy, sizzling and lightheaded.
If you happen to expertise any of those signs throughout a flight, inform the airline crew instantly.
How will you stop a blood clot?
Now you understand what signs to search for — however what essential steps can you’re taking to keep away from getting a blood clot within the first place?
As is all the time the case with touring, it is best to make it a precedence to remain hydrated, since dehydration can thicken your blood and gradual circulation.
“Goal to drink 90 to 120 ounces of water per day and keep away from extreme caffeine or alcohol, which might contribute to dehydration,” stated Jessica Lefkowitz, PT, DPT from Bespoke Bodily Remedy Instances Sq.. “The modifications in altitude and stress throughout air journey may also have an effect on your hydration ranges, so be conscious of consuming water all through your flight.”
The second tip is to your hold your extremities transferring, as my mom tells me to do.
“This could embody stopping extra continuously 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 circulation.
I take into consideration this on all journey days. I will 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 best than nothing. I additionally attempt to stand as a lot as attainable forward of boarding in anticipation of sitting for some time.
“Doing easy physique workouts whereas seated is useful, together with neck rolls, shoulder stretches, ankle circles, foot pumps and knee to chest stretching,” stated Dr. Bishop at Cleveland Clinic.
If you’re a traveler in danger for blood clots, seek the advice of your physician forward of journey to see if they might advocate taking a low dose of a blood thinner, akin to child aspirin, advises Yu.
“Carrying knee-high compression socks can help blood circulation by aiding blood return from the toes to the center,” says Lefkowitz. “The modifications in altitude throughout flight can improve swelling and fluid retention within the legs, and compression socks may also help cut back this.”
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And naturally, for vacationers who’ve a historical past of blood clots or are presently on treatment to stop such, Dr. Pishko advises taking treatment earlier than journey and packing it of their carry-on.
Backside line
Sure individuals are extra susceptible to growing blood clots throughout flying. You probably have preexisting circumstances or a household historical past of blood clots, remember to seek the advice of your physician for particular recommendation when touring.
Sure steps, like hydration and preflight motion, are helpful for all vacationers in minimizing the chance of growing a blood clot.
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