Long-Haul Travel
and Lowering Risks for Life-Threatening Blood Clots
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The links between travel and blood clots
The links between travel and blood clots
• Traveling longer than 8 hours, whether by plane, car, bus, or train, can increase risks for life-threatening blood clot.
• Traveling longer than 8 hours, whether by plane, car, bus, or train, can increase risks for life-threatening blood clot.
• The risk of a blood clot is about 3-times higher for people traveling on long-distance flights.
• The risk of a blood clot is about 3-times higher for people traveling on long-distance flights.
• The risk of travel-related blood clot is higher if you have more than one risk factor.
• The risk of travel-related blood clot is higher if you have more than one risk factor.
Why does travel increase the risk of blood clots?
Why does travel increase the risk of blood clots?
• Being seated for long periods can slow blood flow.
• Being seated for long periods can slow blood flow.
• High altitudes can also activate the body’s blood clotting system.
• High altitudes can also activate the body’s blood clotting system.
How can I reduce risk of a travel-related blood clot?
How can I reduce risk of a travel-related blood clot?
Perform Simple Exercises
Perform Simple Exercises
Flex and extend the ankles and contract the calf muscles at regular intervals while seated.
Flex and extend the ankles and contract the calf muscles at regular intervals while seated.
Walk Around
Walk Around
If permitted, get up and walk in the cabin at least every hour while traveling.
If permitted, get up and walk in the cabin at least every hour while traveling.
Drink Water
Drink Water
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
Assess Risks
Assess Risks
If you have one or more risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about using graduated compression stockings, aspirin or an anticoagulant drug.
If you have one or more risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about using graduated compression stockings, aspirin or an anticoagulant drug.
Know The Symptoms
Know The Symptoms
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a dangerous blood clot and speak up if you notice anything that concerns you.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a dangerous blood clot and speak up if you notice anything that concerns you.
Learn more about the symptoms of dangerous blood clot or VTE.
Learn more about the symptoms of dangerous blood clot or VTE.
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