The Travellers Warehouse

Remembering the Veins

In 2005 I went to Australia and back with intermediate stops in Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip with 6 days in Hawaii and several days in the Brisbane area of Australia. The fireworks really started when I got back and had to call my heart specialist to schedule an appointment I just casually mentioned that I had just come home from Australia. There was immediate alarm on the other end of the line. “Come in right away,” she said. I answered, “I am very busy here at work. Can’t I come in tomorrow?” “No, she commanded, “come in right now!” So, I cleaned up my desk and headed down to the clinic to be examined for blood clots. The condition my cardiologist was concerned about is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and all travelers need to be educated about it. The condition can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

I remember the days when airline passengers could get up and move about the cabin. Not anymore! 911 changed all that. Today only one passenger at a time can be outside the lavatory, and other than that they are relegated to their seats during the entire flight. Being able to move around a bit is certainly a more healthy way to do things. Since the airline passengers of today must remain in their seats for an entire trip it is a good idea to bend over and massage the legs once in a while. There are exercises one can do sitting down. Whenever I get up to go to the bathroom I take a few extra minutes and do stretch exercises. This may assist in better blood circulation.

What a lot of people do not know is that Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur on a short flight as well as a very long one. If someone has any kind of questionable heart condition they need to be careful. Experts say that individuals who are at greater risk are older people and those who are overweight. Other factors that figure in the DVT equation may be smoking, recent surgery, trauma to the legs, varicose veins, pregnancy, and a history of cancer. Genetic dispositions could also play a significant role. If a person has any of these conditions they should check with their doctors prior to taking a long trip. The doctor will probably subscribe medication to take along. They might also suggest taking along special compression stockings. If the condition is serious enough affected travelers should talk with their physicians even if the trip is short one. Another thing people need to know about DVD is that cabin air pressure changes can contribute to the condition.

What are some things a traveler can do to keep from having a DVT episode? The High Compression Socks have already been suggested. However, there are some other things that a traveler can do to help themselves. One is to simply drink a lot of water and limiting alcohol intake. I always carry one or two bottles on the plane with me. I also arrive at the airport early so I can walk around a lot before boarding the plane.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can also be found among those who travel by train or automobile. At least on a train a person can get up and move around. Travel by car allows an individual to make periodic exercise stops when appropriate. The traveler has a little more freedom.

The condition may not occur on the trip itself, but could show up a few days later. If a person is at risk they should check in with their doctor upon returning home. My doctor was right!

Following are some conditions that might contribute to DVT. Most of the time passengers are fine, but this is good information to have in stashed in your travel portfolio.