This week, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made headlines as they returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The transition back to Earth’s gravity is an intense process, requiring a carefully structured 45-day reconditioning program to help them regain muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
But beyond the well-known challenges of space adaptation, one lesser-known concern has captured the interest of medical experts: the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots, during and after space travel. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are related but not identical conditions. VTE is an umbrella term that encompasses both DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, and pulmonary embolism (PE), a serious complication that happens when a clot travels to the lungs.
Expert vein care is essential whether you’re recovering from a flight (in space or here on Earth), surgery, or pregnancy—or want to improve your circulation and find relief from uncomfortable varicose veins. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and minimally invasive outpatient vein treatments to keep your veins healthy and legs looking their best.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
A study reported by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) confirms a causal link between varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The research found that individuals genetically predisposed to varicose veins are also at a higher risk of developing DVT, even after accounting for factors like height and BMI.
While past observational studies suggested a connection, this genetic analysis strengthens the evidence that varicose veins contribute to blood clot formation. These findings highlight the importance of early vein care—managing varicose veins may improve circulation and help reduce the risk of life-threatening blood clots.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year, up to 900,000 Americans are affected by VTE, with 100,000 dying from complications. Many cases could be prevented with early detection and expert vein care.
If you experience leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with anticoagulants can prevent serious complications. Center for Vein Restoration offers same-day DVT rule-out and next-day diagnosis. Call our hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) today!
For astronauts, time spent in microgravity can lead to circulatory changes that increase the risk of blood clot formation. This concern was dramatically underscored when a 2020 study reported by the NIH revealed that an astronaut developed an internal jugular vein thrombosis during a space mission. But here’s the thing: the same factors that put astronauts at risk for blood clots also affect millions of people here on Earth.
So, what can space travel teach us about DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolism (PE) on Earth? More importantly, how can you protect yourself from this potentially life-threatening condition?
Healthy circulation is essential whether you're an astronaut returning from space or someone just navigating daily life here on Earth. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our board-certified vein specialists provide advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to help prevent and manage conditions like DVT and PE.
Don't wait for symptoms to become serious—schedule a consultation today and keep your veins strong for every journey. Call 240-965-3915 or make an appointment at one of CVR’s 110+ vein clinic locations in twenty-two states by clicking the link below!
Astronauts aboard the ISS experience weightlessness, meaning they don’t have the usual gravitational forces pushing blood toward their legs. Instead, bodily fluids—including blood—shift toward the head and upper body, causing puffiness in the face and sometimes impairing circulation. This redistribution can slow down blood flow in the veins, leading to stasis, a major factor in clot formation.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported that NASA researchers discovered a blood clot in an astronaut’s jugular vein during a routine vascular study on the ISS. The finding led to an urgent telemedicine consultation between spaceflight doctors and radiologists on Earth, eventually requiring the astronaut to self-administer blood-thinning injections in space to prevent the clot from worsening. The astronaut completed their mission safely and transitioned to oral blood thinners before returning to Earth.
While the conditions astronauts experience in space are unique, the fundamental risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) are the same on Earth:
If astronauts in peak physical condition can develop a blood clot during spaceflight, it’s a warning sign for all of us. The good news? VTE is preventable with proper awareness and proactive care.
Just like astronauts must follow strict post-mission protocols to avoid complications, you can take steps to protect your veins and circulation. Here’s how:
1. Move Frequently
Immobility is a major risk factor for DVT. Movement is key, whether on a long-haul flight, sitting at a desk all day, or recovering from surgery.
🚀 Astronaut Tip: On the ISS, crew members exercise 2.5 hours per day to maintain circulation. On Earth, aim for short walks every hour and avoid prolonged sitting.
2. Stay Hydrated
Thicker blood is more likely to clot. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your blood flowing smoothly. Tang, anyone?
🚀 Astronaut Tip: In space, drinking fluids is vital to counteract fluid shifts (on Earth, hydration is equally important for reducing clot risk).
3. Know Your Risk Factors
If you have a family history of clotting disorders, varicose veins, or a sedentary lifestyle, you may be at higher risk for VTE. Speak with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist about screening options.
🚀 Astronaut Tip: NASA doctors closely monitor astronauts’ vascular health before, during, and after missions. Regular check-ups on Earth can help detect vein issues early.
4. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of clot formation.
🚀 Astronaut Tip: Special anti-gravity suits help astronauts maintain blood circulation in space. Compression socks offer a similar benefit here on Earth.
Don't ignore the symptoms if you experience leg pain, swelling, or visible veins. Our board-certified vein specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and treat issues before they lead to serious complications like DVT.
🔗 Schedule an appointment today at Center for Vein Restoration to take the first step toward healthier veins.
With more than 100 locations nationwide, Center for Vein Restoration is the leading provider of vein disease treatment in the U.S. Our physicians are recognized experts in the field, offering minimally invasive treatments such as:
✔ Sclerotherapy for spider veins
✔ Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for varicose veins
✔ Compression therapy to improve circulation
✔ Ultrasound-guided procedures for DVT prevention
Don’t wait until you experience a blood clot—proactive vein care can help prevent serious complications. Book a consultation today to get started.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
As International Space Station astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams undergo intense rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity, their experiences remind us how vital vein health and circulation are to overall well-being. Whether you’re in space or on Earth, the risk of blood clots is real—but it's manageable with the right care and prevention.
Take control of your vein health today by visiting a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you and blast off to healthy circulation!
🚀 Your journey to healthier veins starts now!
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