At any time when I fly, my mom all the time jogs my memory to stand up and stroll round to stop blood clots. I sometimes nod my head in response with none intention of following via.
Nevertheless it seems Kathleen is not simply being a very cautious guardian — you must really prioritize motion when touring for sustained intervals of time.
“When you’re sitting for extended intervals throughout a flight in a good house, you may get some blood pooling within the veins of the decrease extremities, as your leg muscular tissues 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 inclined to blood clot formation, journey could be a danger issue for clot formation.”
So, whereas the common individual is just not vulnerable to creating 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 enhance the danger of blood clots?
“DVTs, [which are] blood clots that type in your decrease extremities, can happen with extended sitting — whether or not in a aircraft, automotive or prepare,” says Dr. Jenny Yu, chief well being officer for RVO Well being, which is owned by TPG’s guardian firm, Crimson Ventures.
“The blood clots are probably 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.
In line with Peseki, whereas the opportunity of a travel-induced blood clot will increase on journeys of 4 hours or extra, the danger stays “delicate” 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 enhance the danger of blood clots, and even flights over 4 hours have a small total danger,” stated Bishop.
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What makes you extra prone to develop blood clots?
A number of components could make an individual extra inclined to creating a blood clot, together with preexisting situations comparable to blood clot problems, current surgical procedure or damage, most cancers remedies, older age, weight problems, use of estrogen-containing contraception or hormone alternative remedy, being pregnant and restricted mobility, amongst others.
“The widespread themes with [all of these] is thickened blood and stagnation,” Yu famous.
For those who fall into certainly one of these classes, take additional precautions to assist forestall blood clots and preserve a watch out for any signs.
What are the signs of a blood clot?
Figuring out you have got a blood clot might be difficult, as you may usually write off the signs as one thing else — however there are a number of key warning indicators to concentrate to when touring. For those who expertise these signs, you must 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 dwelling from Iceland, she awoke with aching calves and felt dizzy, scorching and lightheaded.
For those who expertise any of those signs throughout a flight, inform the airline crew instantly.
How are you going to forestall a blood clot?
Now you recognize what signs to search for — however what vital 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, you must 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 strain 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 preserve your extremities transferring, as my mom tells me to do.
“This may embody stopping extra often and strolling round if driving or getting up and doing a number 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 move.
I take into consideration this on all journey days. I will work out earlier than the flight and take a stroll to get some additional steps in. If in case you 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 potential forward of boarding in anticipation of sitting for some time.
“Doing easy physique workout routines 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.
In case you are a traveler in danger for blood clots, seek the advice of your physician forward of journey to see if they might suggest taking a low dose of a blood thinner, comparable to child aspirin, advises Yu.
“Carrying knee-high compression socks can help blood circulation by aiding blood return from the toes to the guts,” says Lefkowitz. “The modifications in altitude throughout flight can enhance swelling and fluid retention within the legs, and compression socks may also help scale back this.”
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And naturally, for vacationers who’ve a historical past of blood clots or are presently on medicine to stop such, Dr. Pishko advises taking medicine earlier than journey and packing it of their carry-on.
Backside line
Sure persons are extra vulnerable to creating blood clots throughout flying. If in case you have preexisting situations or a household historical past of blood clots, be sure you 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 danger of creating a blood clot.
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