Whether you’re planning a vacation to far-off lands or taking frequent business trips, traveling long distances can put a strain on your body. But who’s at risk for the rare-yet-serious complication of blood clots when flying?
Risk of Getting A Blood Clot
You are more at risk for a blood clot if you have a family history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if you recently have had surgery, trauma to your hip or knee, if you have a history of cancer, or are pregnant. If you’re older, blood clotting increases with age. But the risk goes up any time you’re immobile for more than two hours, such as during long plane flights or car trips. And for some people, there are no symptoms of a blood clot, so cardiologists like to do everything we can to prevent them. So…how do you avoid blood clots when in situations where you are immobile for more than two hours?
Talk to Your Doctor
First, determine if you have a family history of DVT or blood clots and discuss it with your doctor, who may test you for certain genes that promote blood clotting and prescribe blood thinners to lower your risk. If you’ve had knee or hip surgery or trauma to your legs and plan to fly or drive for more than two hours, your doctor might prescribe blood thinners preemptively.
Move Around
If you’re on a long flight, get up and walk as often as possible. And if you’re driving, stop frequently or every two hours to get out of the car and move. If you can’t get up to walk, do calf stretches or march with your thighs in your seat every 10 or 15 minutes.
Stay Hydrated
Also, stay hydrated. Water is your friend and forces you to get up to pee during the flight or make pit stops during a long drive.
Pay Attention To Your Body
Pay attention to your legs both during the flight and afterward. If you have swelling, pain, tenderness, or feel warmth in either leg, tell a flight attendant and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
