DVT Awareness Month-Blood Clots and Travel

Blood Clots and Travel—DVT Awareness Month!

March is DVT Awareness Month! Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These blood clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis but can also occur in the arm. The most serious complication of DVT occurs when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). If the blood clot is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from a PE; however, some damage to the lungs may remain. If the blood clot is large, it can stop blood from reaching the lungs, which can be deadly. It is important to be aware of DVT, as it can happen to anybody, and can cause serious illness, disability, and, in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT can be prevented, and it can be treated if discovered early. During DVT Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will send out a digital newsletter each week, highlighting information, helpful tips, and various resources to help raise awareness about blood clots. The topics covered will include general facts about blood clots; blood clots and travel; blood clots and hospitalization; as well as the increased risk (chance) of blood clots in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to 3 months after delivery; and blood clots and cancer.

This week, for DVT Awareness Month, we are sharing information and resources about the risk of blood clots while traveling. Learn about the risks and be informed before your next trip!  What You Need to Know About Travel-related Blood Clots

Anyone traveling for more than 4 hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots. A blood clot in a deep vein can occur in your legs during travel because you are sitting still with limited movement for long periods of time. It is important to seek medical treatment at the earliest signs of a blood clot. Delaying treatment can lead to a PE, which can be life-threatening. Your chance of developing a blood clot increases the longer you are sitting still with limited-to-no movement (immobile). When traveling, get up and walk around as much as possible or move your legs frequently when on long trips to improve blood flow. If you can’t get up and walk around, do these leg stretches while seated to improve blood flow in your legs:

	- Extend your legs straight out and move your ankles to pull your toes toward you and then push them away from you. - Pull each knee up toward your chest and hold it there with your hands on your lower leg for 15 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times.

Travel Safely and Protect Yourself from a Blood Clot

Know the signs and symptoms of a DVT and a PE and seek medical treatment at the earliest signs.

	- Although a DVT can occur without any symptoms, the following are the most common symptoms that can occur in the part of the body that is affected (usually the leg or arm):

	• Swelling.      • Unexplained pain or tenderness.      • Skin that is warm to the touch.      • Redness of the skin.

	- A PE can occur without any symptoms of a DVT, so knowing the signs and symptoms of a PE can alert you to seek medical treatment right away. Signs and symptoms of a PE can include the following:

	• Difficulty breathing.      • Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat.      • Chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with deep breathing or coughing.      • Anxiety.      • Coughing up blood.      • Lightheadedness or fainting.

Before traveling, know the factors that can increase your chances for a blood clot, also known as risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing a blood clot. Most people who develop a travel-related blood clot have one or more of the following risk factors:

Older age. Obesity. Recent surgery or injury (within 3 months). Use of birth control that contains estrogen (for example, birth control pills, rings, patches). Certain types of hormone replacement therapy (medical treatment in which hormones are given to reduce the symptoms of menopause). Pregnant or currently in the postpartum period (up to 3 months after childbirth). Previous blood clot or a family history of blood clots or a blood clotting disorder. Active cancer or recent cancer treatment. Limited or lack of movement, also known as immobility (for example, a leg cast). Catheter (a thin tube put in the body that is used during surgery or to treat an illness or for surgery) placed in large vein. Varicose veins (swollen or twisted veins that can be seen under the skin, usually occurring in the legs).

If you have any of the risk factors for a blood clot, talk to your doctor about your risks and discuss what you can do to protect your health.

Learn More About Blood Clots

CDC’s webpage about blood clots CDC’s Blood clots and travel webpage: What you need to know Video: How to avoid blood clots while traveling Podcast: Blood Clots and Travel: What You Should Know

Stop the Clot. Spread the Word. Don’t let a loved one travel without knowing his or her risk for blood clots! Email this bulletin to friends and family, and share information and resources on social media to help spread the word! Next week, we will share information about healthcare-associated blood clots (blood clots that occur because of hospitalization, surgery, or other healthcare treatment or procedure). Follow us on twitter @CDC_NCBDDD to stay up-to-date on the latest news and activities.