Travel Thrombosis

Travel Thrombosis

The risk of thromboses is enhanced by long periods of sitting in combination with lack of exercise. This can cause the formation of blood clots in the lower leg. In the worst case these clots can break off and travel through the body to the heart. The heart pumps the blood into the pulmonary artery which can lead to a tight squeeze. Because the arteries flowing away from the heart become narrower, the blood clot gets blocked somewhere in the artery. The lung tissue supplied by the artery is suddenly cut off from the blood circulation. This is what is known as an embolism of the lung.

The subject of prevention is particularly significant. To preclude the sagging of blood into the legs, it is recommended that you exercise during flight in spite of limited space.

Exercises during Travel

  • Calf pump: With propped-up feet alternately pull up toes and calves
  • Knee joint: Bend lower leg forwards and then backwards.
  • Hip: Pull knees alternately toward chin.
  • Lumbar vertebra: Stretch abdomen and press back against back of seat. Then stretch abdomen toward the front again.
  • Thoracic vertebra: Press the top part of your back against back of seat and move to and fro with small movements.
  • Shoulder: Alternately pull each shoulder up, circle to the front and back a few times.
  • Cervical vertebra: Turn head carefully to the right and subsequently to the left, then press chin against chest; gently tilt head to the right and left toward shoulders, then tilt to the front again.
  • General advice: Get up from your seat every hour; walk up and down; every now and then wiggle your toes to stimulate blood circulation.

Before travelling

Preventive measures can be taken before boarding the aircraft. Passengers with varicose veins or venous problems should put on compression stockings / panty hose before initiating travel. Possibly your general practitioner will prescribe you a blood-thinning medication. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids during the flight to support your blood circulation. Recommended beverages are water with very little carbonation, tea or juices. Forgo alcohol!

Further advice:

  • Prior to departure eat light meals, nothing that could cause bloating, no nicotine
  • Wear comfortable and loose clothing and shoes
  • Do not cross your legs
  • Do not limit leg space through pieces of luggage