While travel isn't the only risk factor for DVT (and other risk factors, including pregnancy, smoking and age are significant), long trips by car or plane can put us at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, despite an otherwise clean bill of health. For those of us with additional risk factors, long trips can increase our risk of developing DVT.
What Is DVT?
DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, typically in the lower leg or thigh. In some cases, it causes the vein to swell, a condition called thrombophlebitis; in others, there are no symptoms. The real risk of developing DVT, however, isn’t just in the danger to the limb or vein affected -- it’s that the clot can break free and cause a life-threatening blockage in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism.
What Causes DVT?
While some causes of DVT are linked to genetics and medical conditions that affect the way your blood clots, sitting still for long periods of time -- whether because of a long trip, after a surgery, or because of limited mobility caused by other health conditions -- can greatly increase your risk of developing DVT. There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing DVT, and the more you have, the greater your risk. Among these:
Sitting for Long Periods of Time
When you’re sitting for long periods of time, your calf muscles don’t contract - which is something that helps with leg circulation. When this happens, you risk having blood clots form in your legs.
Age
People over 60 have a higher risk of developing DVT than their younger counterparts, although other factors make it a risk for people of any age.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs, which can increase your risks of developing DVT. Women with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk of developing DVT.
Childbirth
While pregnant women are considered at higher risk than the general population for developing DVT, women who have recently given birth are in a higher risk category for up to 6 weeks after childbirth.
Birth Control
Taking birth control pills, especially over the age of 35, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy can increase your body’s triggers for blood clots, increasing your risk of developing DVT.
Genetics
Inheriting a disorder that makes blood clot easily puts people at an increased risk of developing DVT. A personal or family history of DVT also increases your risk of developing DVT in the future.
Weight
Being overweight, much like pregnancy, puts increased pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis, putting you at greater risk of developing DVT.
Smoking
Smoking affects your body’s circulation and your body’s blood clotting, both of which put you at risk of developing DVT.
Prolonged Bed Rest
Whether a result of a hospital stay, paralysis or long-term illness, prolonged bed rest means your legs aren’t getting the movement they need to contract calf muscles and help blood circulate, increasing your risk of developing blood clots.
Injury or Surgery
Injury to your veins as a result of an accident or surgery can increase your risk of blood clots.
Cancer
Some types of cancer can put you at a greater risk of blood clots, as do some cancer treatments. Your oncologist can advise you on your specific risks.
Heart Failure
People with heart failure already have limited heart and lung function, putting them at an even greater risk of developing DVT or pulmonary embolism.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are linked to an increased risk of developing DVT.
How Do I Know If I’m Developing DVT?
While some DVTs can be asymptomatic, meaning that there are warning signs, common symptoms of DVT can include:
• Warmth and tenderness over the vein
• Pain or swelling in the part of the body affected, typically a leg. Rarely, there may be swelling in both legs.
• Skin redness
• Pain or cramping in the affected area, typically a leg.
What Is the Treatment for DVT?
If you develop the symptoms of DVT, you should contact your doctor for guidance.
However, if you believe that you are developing the signs of a pulmonary embolism, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above, you should seek medical attention immediately and share your risk factors, including any recent travel. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
• Sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
• Chest pain that is worsened by breathing or coughing
• Feeling lightheaded or sudden, unexplained dizziness or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Coughing up blood
How Can I Minimize My Risks During Flight?
In February 2015, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a new set of guidelines for expectant women who are traveling, especially on long flights. While the guidelines are geared towards pregnant women, who are at a greater risk of DVT, the advice applies to all flyers:
● Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes;
● Try to get an aisle seat and take regular walks around the plane;
● Do in-seat exercises every 30 minutes or so – the airline should give you information on these;
● Have cups of water at regular intervals throughout your flight;
● Cut down on drinks containing alcohol or caffeine (coffee, fizzy drinks); and
● Wear graduated elastic compression stockings – your midwife or doctor will need to provide the correct size and type for you as they are different from standard flight socks.