Tripadvisor's online travel website estimates that 71 percent of Americans plan to travel in 2022. Expedia has dubbed 2022 the year of the GOAT, that is, the "greatest of all trips." The World Travel & Tourism Council, representing the global travel and tourism industry, anticipates, "As travel restrictions ease and consumer confidence returns, we expect a welcome release of pent-up travel and demand."
In short, Americans are planning to travel in numbers even greater than pre-pandemic levels. And while this is an exciting time, vein physicians warn that a few simple vein health precautions are needed to keep travel safe.
We spoke to Abhi Kasinadhuni, MD, Center for Vein Restoration lead physician at the Wayne, PA, and King of Prussia, PA clinic locations. Dr. Kas (as his patients call him) is a venous and lymphatic specialist, having completed the Center for Vein Restoration Fellowship program. He earned his medical degree at American University of Antigua and completed his residency at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
"Yes, absolutely," says Dr. Kasinadhuni, "vein health should be a strong consideration during long travel" because being sedentary can negatively impact vein health. He explains that while most people have heard of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) relating to travel, few understand how blood clots can impact a person's overall health and well-being.
Dr. Kas assures that long trips can be safe and carefree if travelers prioritize vein health and take a few simple precautions.
But not all travel is created equal.
Dr. Kas points out that millions of Americans drive or ride in cars or hop on a train or bus daily, yet we don't hear of people forming a dangerous DVT blood clot every day. As data suggests, prolonged, sedentary travel over four to six hours at a time or more causes blood clots to form.
A DVT blood clot develops in the deep veins of the thigh or lower leg when blood is prevented from flowing freely and pools in the blood vessels.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), More than 300 million people travel on long-distance flights (generally more than four hours) each year. The following are blood clot risks that these far-flung travelers should be aware of:
Other risks factors of long plane travel include:
Dr. Kas recommends that if you have any of these risk factors and are concerned, have a conversation with your physician or vein specialist about taking these precautions before long plane travel. The doctor may recommend taking aspirin or blood thinner to help offset these risks in some cases.
DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE). This is when a blood clot, usually from the leg, breaks loose and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. If diagnosed and treated early, one can survive a PE. If left untreated, a PE can cause heart damage or be fatal. If you experience these symptoms during travel or other times, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include:
Dr. Kasinadhuni advises that the most crucial thing you can do during travel is to get up and walk as much as possible. He recognizes that walking is impossible during certain modes of transportation, however. For example, it is easier to stand and walk on a bus, train, or plane than in a car.
For car travel, Dr. Kas recommends stopping every one to two hours to get out and walk for five minutes. He explains why this is important: walking activates calf muscles, which act as a pump, pushing venous (vein) blood back toward your heart. "When activated, the calves are responsible for a significant portion of venous circulation. When you're walking, venous circulation drastically improves, which can largely prevent blood clots' development," implores Dr. Kas.
"Compression stockings are the gold standard for managing vein disease and greatly reduce the incidents of blood clots," says Dr. Kasinadhuni.
Dr. Kasinadhuni calls it a "misconception" that merely standing during long travel is enough to prevent blood clots. When you stand, the blood in the vein naturally gets pushed down due to gravity and can pool in the veins. This blood stagnation is called venous stasis, which causes swelling of the legs and ankles and feelings of heaviness, aching, or tiredness.
"When blood sits and coagulates, it is the perfect condition for a blood clot," says Dr. Kas. He adds that activating the calf muscle by walking or other calf exercises is the key to preventing blood clots, not just standing.
Whenever possible, walk. However, if you find yourself in a crowd or otherwise unable to walk for an extended length of time, there are exercises you can perform to get your blood circulating:
Standing toe raises. Elevate to the point where the balls of your feet are off the ground, activating the calf muscles. Do this ten times. Give yourself a 15-30 second break and repeat two to three times. Repeat every half hour to an hour if walking is not possible.
Seated toe raises. If you're confined to a seat; with feet on the floor, lift your toes then lift your heels. Continue for 30 seconds.
Ankles circles. Raise your leg and hold your ankles stationary. Draw "circles" in the air with your feet.
Knee lifts. Put your hands on your thighs and lift your knees one at a time to your chest while contracting your thigh muscle. Do these five to 10 times and repeat every half hour to an hour.
"If you have varicose veins or other symptoms such as leg swelling, aching, and throbbing, the best tip I can give is to see a vein specialist," recommends Dr. Kas. He says that a person with chronic venous insufficiency is at increased risk of developing DVT. These incompetent veins are more prone to venous stasis that can turn into blood clots.
CVR has over 100 clinics across the United States. Dr. Kas says that anyone concerned about their vein health can have a free brief evaluation or a more comprehensive consultation with a physician.
Schedule online or call 240-965-3915 to speak with a live patient services representative who can answer your questions and schedule with a board-certified vein physician near you.
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