Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 20 Jul 2024
Do Frequent International Flyers Run The Risk Of Blood Clots? All About The Dangers Of Pulmonary Embolism
A blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, preventing blood flow to part of the lung
Various studies have linked life-threatening blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism to frequent international traveling, which can have dangerous consequences. According to experts, a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, preventing blood flow to part of the lung. The clot usually originates in a vein, often in the leg, and travels through the heart and into the lungs, leading to a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
Doctors say those who fly four hours or more have three times the risk of developing clots, compared with periods in which they do not travel. Apart from that, obesity, a person's height, use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and inherited blood clotting disorders also increase risk.
Why does frequent air travel cause pulmonary embolism?
According to experts, the condition mostly occurs when you sit still for long periods of time, which affects blood circulation. When you are on a plane, your knees are at one angle for a long time, making it harder for blood to flow.
The longer the flight, the greater the risk of developing a clot.
In addition, when you are in an airplane, you sit in an area with reduced air pressure, which makes you take in less oxygen when you breathe – a condition known as hypoxia. This oxygen loss is mild in most cases, but it can slow the blood flow in your body, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism
A few symptoms of pulmonary symptoms include:
- Sudden breathlessness that leads to fast breathing
- Wheezing
- Unexplained sharp pain in your chest, arm, back, shoulder, neck or jaw
- Cough with or without bloody mucous
- Pale, clammy, or bluish skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling anxious, lightheaded, or passing out
Ways to prevent blood clots while flying
You can take several steps to help reduce your risk for blood clots while flying, a few of which include:
Medication
Your doctor may recommend medical treatments to decrease your risk based on your health history. These include taking Aspirin or a blood thinner, an hour or two before boarding your flight
Compression socks
Wearing compression socks helps promote better blood circulation in your legs while sitting on a plane.
Choose a spacious seat
If you can, select an aisle seat, or pay an additional fee for a seat with extra legroom to help you stretch out
Move around
If you are on a long flight, make sure to frequently get up and walk around at least once an hour and exercise your calf muscles while seated.
Massage your muscles
Apart from moving, make sure to massage to promote better circulation.
A few other things to do include:
- Avoid crossing your legs, which can reduce blood circulation.
- Wear loose, cotton fabric clothing
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water or fluids