If the blood that is progressing through your veins is moving too slowly, that can result in a clump of blood cells that is commonly referred to as a clot. If clots form inside a vein that is deep within your body, then the result is referred to as a DVT, which is the abbreviation for deep vein thrombosis. This medical condition can occur in several parts of your body, although the most likely locations are your thigh, lower leg or pelvis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one million Americans could be impacted by DVTs every year, while 60,000-100,000 die from complications of a DVT or PE (pulmonary embolism) — which is a term for the blockage that can occur when a blood clot travels into the lungs. It is equally concerning that PEs are fatal for around 25% of all people who experience them.
It is important to know that deep vein thrombosis is very treatable if it is discovered early, and that there are steps that you can take to reduce your chances of having a DVT.
But it is also clear that if a DVT takes place, it can lead to a more serious health issue (pulmonary embolisms). For this reason, it is critical that you receive immediate medical attention if you appear to be experiencing the symptoms of DVT.
Understanding DVTs and PEs
While our blood will normally flow steadily throughout our body, that progression will also stop if we encounter an injury, or if we accidentally cut ourselves. When that occurs, our blood platelets and plasma proteins become thick and form a gel-like mass. This is a protection mechanism that is designed to plug the impacted area and stop the bleeding.
While the benefit of this is clear, the clotting process can also take place even if there is no injury present. If your blood contacts a substance in your blood vessel wall, the clotting effect can be triggered. The platelets can continue to build as your blood continues to move more slowly than normal, which can result in a blood clot.
If a clot emerges within a deep vein in the body, this is referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, and most DVTs occur in the lower leg or thigh. If the vein also swells, then the condition is referred to as thrombophlebitis. That can create serious health issues if a clot moves from the leg or thigh to another part of your body such as your heart or lungs.
One of the scenarios in which this unwanted clotting process can take place occurs when you are sitting in a restricted space for a long period of time. Your risk of contending with a blood clot rises along with the duration of time that you remain stationary in these situations, and this is certainly a scenario that can transpire when you are traveling for a long distance during a flight. This can also take place with any other form of transportation that involves a lengthy journey in a confined space.
Your risk of contending with a blood clot rises along with the duration of time that you remain stationary in these situations, as your body will have more difficulty maintaining your circulation by pumping blood from your legs to your heart, which could lead to the formation of a clot.
There is the possibility that a clot can also separate and progress into the lungs. This can create a blockage in your lungs, which is also referred to as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 300 million people travel on flights that are of at least four hours in duration every year. These are considered to be long-distance flights, and the risk of experiencing a DVT as the result of a long flight is genuine.
The CDC states that around 900,000 people in the U.S. might be impacted by a DVT or PE every year, while 60,000-100,000 of these situations will become fatal. Between 10% and 30% of these deadly cases occur during the initial month of diagnosis, while around 25% of the individuals who have a PE will experience a sudden fatality.
Symptoms Of DVTs
Around 50% of people who are dealing with DVTs will not have any noticeable symptoms. However, there are definite warning signs that can take place including swelling, tenderness or pain in the area where the DVT is located (usually the leg), and the skin that is located around the DVT can also be warm or red.
Causes Of DVTs
While the fact that you might not experience any symptoms could be concerning, it is helpful to be aware of the risk factors that are associated with DVTs. These include having a family history of this condition, or an existing condition that causes your blood to clot more easily than normal. Obesity can place you at risk of having a DVT, which is also true if you have damaged blood vessels.
Inactivity during a flight or a long drive as you travel is also a common cause of DVTs, although you can reduce the risk that is incurred with lengthy trips through walking and exercising. This will be discussed in the section that examines prevention of DVTs. Complications from an injury or a major injury can also cause DVTs.
Increasing The Risk Of A DVT
The CDC also states that the chances of developing a travel-related blood clot rise if any of these factors are present:
- A history of blood clots in your family
- Being at least 40 years old
- Obesity
- A recent surgery
- Limited mobility
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Being pregnant or in the postpartum period
- Having active cancer or a previous cancer treatment
- Varicose veins
- Usage of a catheter that is placed in a large vein
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to protect your health and reduce your risk of blood clots during a long-distance trip.
Prevention Of DVTs
According to the CDC, the steps that you can undertake to help prevent the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis include moving around immediately if you have been sitting for a flight or car ride that will last four hours or longer. This involves making sure that you walk at least once every two hours.
There are also exercises that you can do while you are sitting during a long trip, such as raising and lowering your heels while your toes remain on the floor, then raising and lowering your toes with your heels remaining stationary on the floor. Tightening and relaxing your leg muscles is also helpful, as you also remember to walk at least every two hours as mentioned previously.
Compression hose, which can also be referred to as compression stockings can help reduce the risk of DVTs by improving the blood flow in your legs. This will decrease the likelihood of swelling, along with the formations of clots.
Reducing The Risks of DVTs During Long Distance Travel
If you are a passenger on a long flight, you can take steps to avoid experiencing a DVT. This can begin by making sure that you are sitting in an aisle seat, then getting up and walking every hour. If you are traveling on a long drive, scheduling regular walking breaks will reduce your risk of a DVT.
You can also discuss your upcoming trip with a doctor, in order to verify that you are able to take a baby aspirin one hour before takeoff. You should also drink at least eight ounces of water every 1-2 hours, while also avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Symptoms Of PEs
If you have a DVT that eventually leads to a pulmonary embolism, the PE can emerge suddenly and create noticeable discomfort. It can quickly become difficult to breathe, and chest pain may also be experienced. Both the pain and the shortness of breath might increase as you attempt to breathe deeply, and could also occur as you bend or twist at the area of pain. Rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fever and excessive sweating are also warning signs that you are dealing with a PE.
Causes Of PEs
It is important to review the relationship between a deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism that was mentioned previously, due to the serious nature of PEs. If a clot has formed in your leg, thigh or pelvis, and the clot eventually progresses into your lung, it becomes a critical situation. Nearly 40% of people who contend with deep vein thrombosis will also experience a pulmonary embolism. However, since some people never have any symptoms that signal a DVT, it is possible to find yourself in a situation in which you have a PE without being aware that you were vulnerable because you never had an indication of your DVT.
When To Visit A Doctor
You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice the symptoms of a DVT that were discussed earlier, which includes swelling in your leg, along with pain, tenderness, warmth or redness. A doctor will promptly examine your legs in order to determine the presence of a DVT and might order X-rays, a CT, an MRI, ultrasound or blood tests to check the location of clots and determine the amount of oxygen in your blood.
The most likely treatment for a DVT will be blood thinners, which are also referred to as anticoagulants. This treatment will be designed with the goal of reducing the risk of your clot becoming larger, and possibly moving into your lungs.
Your need for immediate medical care is also urgent if you experience the pain and shortness of breath that indicates a pulmonary embolism, due to the life-threatening nature of the situation. The examination and testing will be similar to what is experienced when your doctor is determining whether you have a DVT.
Anticoagulants will also be utilized, in order to prevent the clot from growing larger and to prohibit the formation of any new clots. Treatment will be immediate, and you may need to remain at the hospital or emergency care facility until your condition improves.
At OrthoTexas, We Are Here To Help
If you believe that you are experiencing the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis, or have any questions or concerns about this condition, the professionals at OrthoTexas are ready to provide you with their expertise. This is beneficial in their ability to design effective treatment plans for DVTs, along with any other issues that might be occurring with your leg or knee.
Your path to recovery starts here. Schedule an appointment with OrthoTexas or find a location near you.