A sedentary lifestyle is associated with lots of poor health effects, but did you know that sitting for extended periods can also increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? Sitting too long causes blood to accumulate within the leg veins, and in some cases, this accumulating blood will begin to form clots.
DVT can turn deadly should a clot make its way to the lungs, which is a condition known as pulmonary embolism. And because sitting for long periods of time is often a factor when traveling, either by car or plane, it is important to know how you can reduce your risk in these situations.
In general, you want to walk and stretch your legs every two hours or so to decrease your DVT risk. If you are driving a long distance, be sure to take regular breaks that allow you to stop the vehicle and get out and walk for a bit. If you are flying, get up approximately every two hours and walk up and down the aisle of the plane.
Tight clothing when traveling can substantially decrease your comfort. Tight pants in particular make it hard to move and stretch your legs when seated, so they should be avoided during long flights and car trips. When planning a travel outfit, opt for loose-fitting clothing that allows free movement.
While restrictive clothing is not recommended when traveling, specially designed compression stockings are a type of restrictive attire that can reduce your risk of DVT. Compression stockings boost the flow of blood within the lower extremities, which prevents clots from forming. This approach is usually best for people with a high risk of DVT, so be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Dehydration plays a role in the development of blood clots, as blood viscosity (or thickness) increases as hydration decreases. In this case, drinking plenty of water before and during your trip can make a major difference to your health. While drinking water will increase the number of bathroom trips you take, the boosted mobility will also lower your DVT risk.