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Center for Vein Restoration
Long flights, road trips, and extended periods of sitting are common parts of modern life, but they can quietly affect circulation and vein health. Bert Kreischer, stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster, and reality TV host, shared his experience with a recent travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) scare, helping bring attention to a condition for which many people may not realize they are at risk.
The touring comedian’s experience underscores how long periods of immobility during travel can increase the risk of blood clots and circulation problems. His story serves as a reminder that simple, proactive steps, such as staying active and wearing compression socks, can play an important role in supporting healthy blood flow.
For patients and frequent travelers alike, understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting long-term vein health.
If you’re concerned about blood clot symptoms, don’t wait or assume they will pass on their own. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Call our hotline number at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).
📅Or, schedule a comprehensive evaluation at one of our 120-plus nationwide vein clinics: CLICK HERE
In a January episode of the We Might Be Drunk podcast, hosted by Mark Normand and Sam Morril, Bert declined a drink early in the conversation, explaining that a recent health scare influenced his decision.
“I can’t drink right now. I’m on medication for blood clots in my legs,” he shared.
He went on to describe how frequent travel and prolonged inactivity likely contributed to his condition.
“It was from inactivity on a plane,” said Bert, adding that he had flown back and forth from L.A. to the East Coast “probably about five times” from mid-December to New Year’s Eve.
Prolonged sitting during travel is a well-recognized risk factor for DVT. When leg muscles remain inactive for extended periods, blood flow can slow, increasing the likelihood of clot formation.
As his symptoms developed, Bert began experiencing intense and persistent pain that didn’t remain in one location:
“The pain was in my foot, the outside of my foot, my calf, and along the outside of my leg. It felt like it was everywhere.”
Describing how his symptoms worsened at nighttime, Bert said:
“It was throbbing at night, and then I told my wife. I woke up at two in the morning to make a drink to go back to bed, ’cause I had no rest, and LeeAnn was like, ‘I’m taking you to the emergency room.’”
Persistent pain that disrupts sleep is often a sign that medical evaluation is needed.
When he arrived at the hospital, Bert shared with the nurses that he had a history of nerve-related pain, prompting his symptoms to be initially interpreted as more likely related to his back condition rather than a blood clot.
“I do have a sciatic problem in my back, and it shoots down my leg.”
Since his discomfort was initially attributed to his back condition, confirmation of the diagnosis was delayed until further testing was completed. Once additional testing was ordered, doctors determined the cause of his symptoms.
“They told me there was a significant clot behind my knee and that they needed to check my lungs. That’s when they found clots there as well.”
Doctors determined that the clot in his leg had traveled to his lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE). This complication can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Once the diagnosis was confirmed, treatment began immediately, and Bert shared that he’d have to take blood-thinners for the next six months.
With ongoing treatment and medical monitoring, his condition gradually improved.
“I went from crazy pain in my leg, unbearable, couldn’t find comfort sleeping, to now—I took a walk in the park today, I’ve been working out, I don’t feel it the way I did. My blood pressure is perfect; I feel great.”
During the podcast, Bert also mentioned other health factors he had been managing at the time. However, his medical team primarily attributed his condition to prolonged travel-related inactivity.
During the podcast conversation, the hosts initially questioned whether alcohol may have contributed to his condition. Bert explained that alcohol itself wasn’t identified as the direct cause of his blood clots.
However, he also noted that drinking during travel may have contributed to longer periods of inactivity, a known DVT risk factor. According to Bert, his medical team attributed his blood clots primarily to prolonged sitting rather than alcohol use.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. Long periods of sitting, such as during flights, car rides, or train travel, can slow blood flow and increase the risk of clot formation.
When leg muscles remain inactive for hours, circulation becomes less efficient. Blood can pool in the lower extremities, increasing the chance of clot development. In some cases, a clot can travel to the lungs and cause PE, which requires urgent medical care.
As seen in Bert’s experience, prolonged sitting and dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots.
Risk factors for travel-related DVT may include:
Bert also emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate hydration.
“Dehydration is a huge thing because it thickens your blood.”
Drinking enough water before and during travel supports healthy circulation and reduces the risk of clotting.
Symptoms of DVT may include leg pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Some people, however, experience minimal or unusual symptoms, which can delay diagnosis.
Compression socks are designed to apply gentle, graduated pressure to the legs, with slightly more pressure at the ankle and less as the sock moves upward. This design helps encourage blood flow back toward the heart and reduces blood pooling in the lower extremities.
For travelers, compression socks may help:
After learning more about prevention, Bert became more proactive.
“Get compression socks. It won’t happen.”
While compression socks can’t guarantee that clots will never occur, research shows they can significantly reduce blood pooling and improve circulation when used correctly.
In addition to wearing compression socks and staying hydrated, travelers can take several steps to support healthy veins and circulation.
Stand, stretch, or walk every one to two hours when possible.
Following his diagnosis, Bert made movement a priority.
“I have to get up every 30 minutes on a flight now, so I get up like a lunatic,” he shared.
Regular movement activates the leg muscles and promotes healthy blood flow.
Avoid garments that restrict circulation.
Speak with a specialist if you travel often or have vein-related concerns.
These habits can significantly support circulation during extended trips.
Bert’s experience underscores the importance of vein health, especially during long periods of travel. What began as leg discomfort progressed into a serious medical condition that required prompt treatment.
With awareness and preventive steps, many travelers can reduce their risk. If you’re seeking personalized guidance, the team of board-certified physicians at CVR is here to help. Our team provides rapid DVT evaluations, with same-day or next-day appointments available as needed. If you’re concerned about possible blood clot symptoms, call 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) for prompt assistance.
Q: How long does a flight or car ride need to be to increase DVT risk?
A: Any trip lasting more than four hours with limited movement may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially if you remain seated for most of the journey, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Longer trips and frequent travel can further raise this risk. Taking regular movement breaks and wearing compression socks can help reduce this risk.
Q: When should I seek medical care for possible blood clot symptoms after travel?
A: You should seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent leg swelling, pain, warmth, redness, or unexplained discomfort after travel, especially following long periods of sitting. Seek emergency care immediately if you develop sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat, as these may be signs of pulmonary embolism.
Q: Does flying shortly after surgery increase blood clot risk?
A: Yes. Surgery can temporarily increase the risk of blood clots, and combining this with prolonged travel may further raise that risk. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before flying after a procedure.
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