Blood clots can become life-threatening. They can end up in the lungs, heart, brain, and other areas in the body. Not only are blood clots very serious, but also they have to be treated right away. The longer you wait to see the doctor, the greater the risk. Possible side effects include stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. Women are much more likely to suffer blood clots as opposed to men. While any woman can get a blood clot, some of them are particularly vulnerable. If you are traveling by air, you are at a higher risk of blood clots. Long-distance air travel and coagulation have been linked for a very long time. Studies confirm the risks, the main cause being prolonged immobility. You have to stay in the same position and, since there is no contraction of the muscles, it is impossible for the blood to keep flowing normally through the veins. If you are preparing for your next vacation, keep on reading to find out more.
Signs of blood clots to recognize when you are flying
Blood clots can form in your legs while you are traveling for more than 4 hours. Sitting still negatively affects the blood circulation and ultimately develops to the formation of blood clots. What happens is that the blood thickens and solidifies. In the off-chance that the blood clot does not fall apart, you can experience dangerous complications. It is very important to be able to identify the signs of a blood clot during travel. Deep vein thrombosis, as it is commonly referred to, is associated with the following symptoms:
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Redness or discoloration
• Cramps
If you have one of the aforementioned signs, you can be sure that something is wrong. If, say, your leg hurts or you notice an increase in temperature in the limb, you may have a blood clot. The moment that you get off the plane, have the area checked out by a healthcare professional. As a rule, those who suffer from deep vein thrombosis are required to take blood thinners.
How to avoid a blood clot while traveling
The level of risk depends on the duration of the trip and your personal circumstances. If you have had recent surgery or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, you can get deep vein thrombosis. There is no reason to panic because you can avoid blood clot while traveling. What you have to do is stretch your legs. Basically, make sure that you are getting exercise. You may not be able to walk around the plane, but you can change your position in the seat. It is a good idea to get compression stockings. The socks go all the way up to your knee and, most importantly, enhance blood circulation. Avoid consuming alcohol. This will make you sleepy and cause poor blood circulation. Do not drink alcohol during your flight or before embarking on the plane. Drink water instead. Adequate hydration promotes good blood circulation. There is nothing more important than protecting your health.