Whether Traveling by Plane, Train or Automobile, Take Steps to Prevent DVT

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot that develops in one of your body's deep veins. DVTs often occur in the legs and arms, but may also develop in other vessels throughout the body.

Why should I be worried about a blood clot?

If a blood clot in the leg breaks loose and travels to the lung, it can block blood vessels in your lungs. When this happens, it is called a pulmonary embolus (PE). A PE can be fatal, especially if the clot is large or if you have any heart or lung problems.

Symptoms of a PE may include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially with breathing
• Passing out
• Sudden death

Travel and DVT

People who travel are at risk for developing blood clots. Blood ordinarily flows freely through your body, so it has no reason to clot. However, if you sit still for long periods of time, the blood flow in your legs can get sluggish. This can set you up for a blood clot.

How often do you fly on long flights? Do you drive long distances? When was the last time you sat on a bus or a train?

If you are immobile for an extended period of time whether you fly on a large airplane or sit on a bus, if you don't walk around, you're at risk for developing a DVT.

Conditions that can increase your risk for blood clots

There are many drugs and medical conditions that can also raise your risk for DVTs.

Here are some of them:

• A history of cancer
• Pregnancy
• Certain medicines, especially hormones containing estrogen
• A family history or personal history of blood clots
• Recent surgery
• Smoking

Fortunately, you may be able to change some of these risks - like quitting smoking.

How can you avoid DVT?

If you travel, especially on long trips, make sure you frequently get up to walk around. Some experts suggest doing this every two to three hours. It also helps to do some leg exercises while you're sitting in your seat.

You can also wear compression stockings to reduce your chances of blood clots in your leg. You may want to ask your doctor about these if you do a fair amount of traveling.

Many people who have previously had DVT take blood-thinning medicine. Make sure that your doctor knows if you've ever had DVT. Whenever you travel, make sure to move around frequently.

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External Sources World Health Organization U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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