Page 32 - March-April HER

32 MARCH HER
How does long distance travel affect a person with vein disease?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep leg vein. The deep veins are blood vessels which go through the calf and thigh muscles, and are not those which you can see just below the skin. Long journeys (more than four hours) are thought to cause an increased risk of DVT. This is probably due to sitting immobile and cramped for long periods. Blood flows more slowly, and collects in the legs increasing the risk of clot formation.
When a blood clot forms in a leg vein it usually remains stuck to the vein wall. The clot could then cause long term swelling & pain in the affected area. An even worse risk is that of pulmonary embolism should the clot dislodge and travel up the vascular system to the heart & lungs.
Anyone may develop a DVT but the following increase the risk:
• A recent operation in the last 2 months
• Pregnancy
• Oral birth control or hormone replacement medication
• A previous DVT diagnosis or a family history of DVT
• Obesity
• Having cancer
• Blood clotting disorders
• A broken leg which is in a stationary cast
• A recent severe illness such as pneumonia or
heart failure
When traveling, these simple activities can help reduce your risks & contribute to a safe enjoyable journey:
While seated, every 1⁄2 hour, bend & straighten your legs, feet and toes. If you are able to get up, every hour, take a walk up and down the aisle. If traveling in a car, make frequent stops, get out and walk around.
After a long journey, slight painless puffiness of feet and ankles is normal. However, if you develop a swollen painful calf or breathing difficulties shortly after travel then see a doctor urgently.
• • • • • • •
Keep the space around your feet clear so you can move & extend your legs. Avoid dehydration: drink plenty of water & do not drink alcohol.
Wear prescription compression hose on your journey.
Immediately after your journey, have a short walk to ‘get the circulation going’.
32 March/April 2020 ¯ HER MAGAZINE