Findings
Houston, Texas
Volume 7, Issue 6
June 2009

Keep moving during long travel to reduce risk of blood clots

By Glenna Picton

Peter Lin, M.D.
Peter Lin, M.D.

Summer means many people will be traveling by air or car and sitting for long periods of time. These travelers have an increased risk of developing a serious blood clotting condition called deep vein thrombosis, said an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.

Deep vein thrombosis is a potentially serious condition that may cause permanent damage to the leg and can even be life-threatening if a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, explained Peter Lin, M.D., chief of vascular surgery and an associate professor of surgery at BCM.

"Deep vein thrombosis occurs when your blood clotting system is disrupted and clots form in the deep veins of your body, mostly your leg," said Lin, who is also a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston. "When you sit for long periods of time, your calf muscles do not contract and blood does not circulate normally. When your blood flow is obstructed, blood pools in your veins and clots are more likely to form."

Preventative measures

For those planning to take a long road trip, train ride or overseas flight during over the summer, simple preventive measures can keep your blood flowing properly, Lin said.

"If you are on a long car ride, make sure to stop about every two to three hours and get out and walk around," said Lin. "On long flights and train rides, walk up and down the aisles. If you are sitting by the window and are hesitant to get up frequently, flex your ankles and the muscles in your hips and legs."

In about half the cases, you can develop deep vein thrombosis and not even know it, said Lin.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and pain in the legs, ankles, feet, arms and neck, cramping in the calf and redness and warmth over the affected area.

Early warning signs may be chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, sense of anxiety or nervousness and coughing up blood.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your doctor, said Lin.

"An ultrasound, CT or MRI scan, blood test or X-ray of the veins can help your doctor spot the clot," said Lin. "Your physician may prescribe blood thinners or clot-busting drugs, surgery, intravenous filters and/or wearing compression stockings to prevent swelling."

Other risk factors can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. These include:

"There is no need for vacationers to panic. Chances are relatively low for developing deep vein thrombosis while flying or driving, but it is important to be aware and take precautionary measures," said Lin.