Holiday Travel Prep: A Guide to Preventing Blood Clots on Long Trips

For many of us, the upcoming holiday season means travel. While the adventure of travel is part of the fun, for those at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), preventing blood clots becomes part of the planning. 

Vascular medicine specialist Enrique Hernandez, MD of Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida, is the expert you need when you’re dealing with DVT. To help you get started, we’ve prepared this holiday travel prep guide to look at ways you can sidestep the threat of blood clots.  

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

“Thrombus” is the medical term for a blood clot that forms in veins in your body, usually in the legs, although one can form anywhere. Resulting from impaired or sluggish blood flow, DVT isn’t an immediate health threat until a clot breaks away from the vein wall where it forms and travels through the bloodstream. 

Once a thrombus breaks loose and begins moving, it’s now called an embolus. If it gets to the blood vessels in the lungs, it may get stuck, causing a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. 

Why does travel raise the risk of DVT? 

Air travel can significantly increase the risk of DVT because of a combination of environmental conditions. These include: 

• Sitting still over long periods of time: Your veins need the pumping action of walking to move blood through the legs.
• Low cabin pressure: The atmospheric pressure inside the plane can raise the risk of DVT.
• Dehydration: Dry cabin air makes it easy for your body to lose moisture, thickening your blood.
• Sitting postures: Economy seating can be cramped, leading to pressure behind the knees that restricts venous blood flow in the legs.

Some of these conditions may apply to other modes of transportation including buses, cars, and trains, particularly if you are seated for hours. 

Preventing blood clots on long trips

If you’re at a high risk level for blood clots, medical care with an expert like Dr. Hernandez is your best source of peace of mind when traveling (and every day). For increased-risk travelers we recommend: 

• Low-dose blood thinners or anticoagulation medications 
• Wearing medical alert identification to inform medical personnel in case of emergency
• Graduated compression stockings

For those with some risk of DVT or signs of venous insufficiency like varicose veins, consider these strategies to reduce the risk of clotting: 

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid those with alcohol or caffeine.
• Dress appropriately: Choose loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t restrict circulation in the legs or waist.
• Choose an aisle seat: When possible, get up and walk to aid blood circulation in the legs.
• In-seat exercise: Perform ankle circles and calf raises to stimulate blood flow.
• Change positions: Shift your seating position often, and don’t keep your ankles crossed.

Don’t self-medicate. Check with Dr. Hernandez before taking aspirin or low-dose aspirin products. If you are already taking anticoagulant medication for DVT or other conditions, there’s no need to add additional blood thinners for travel. Follow your medication schedule as prescribed. 

Call or message Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins at the nearest of our two Miami locations to assess your blood clot risk. Schedule your appointment today.