Long journeys increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis

DVT is defined as a life-threatening vascular disease that develops when clots form in the veins of the legs, especially after prolonged inactivity.

Experts note that the risk of DVT increases significantly during the summer months with rising temperatures and long travels.

Experts point out that inactivity, fluid loss, genetic factors and some medications can facilitate clot formation, and that this danger can be largely prevented by taking simple precautions.

Deep vein thrombosis is most commonly seen in the leg veins.

Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic, Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Mete Gürsoy explained the effects of long journeys on vascular health.

Gürsoy explained that veins carry impure blood from the feet to the heart, and that repetitive pressure from the leg muscles plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of this system. He said, "Our leg muscles pump blood from the veins back to the heart with every step. The more we move, the healthier our veins become. Movement is the most effective and free remedy for venous diseases."

Gürsoy explained that DVT is most commonly seen in the leg veins, but can also develop in the groin, abdominal, and arm veins. "Statistically, deep vein thrombosis occurs in 1 in 107,000 people on trips under four hours, while this rate is 1 in 4,600 for trips over four hours. The risk rises to 1 in 1,200 for trips over 16 hours. In other words, the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases 25-fold when the trip exceeds four hours, and 100-fold when it exceeds 16 hours," he said.

Gürsoy emphasized that the duration of the trip, not the type of trip, is the determining factor in terms of risk, and that consecutive trips in a short period of time also increase the risk.

Short walks should be taken with breaks every 1.5-2 hours.

Prof. Dr. Gürsoy stated that some people are at higher risk for DVT and that those in this group should definitely get checked by a doctor before traveling. He said, "People aged 60 and over, active cancer patients, those who have had a DVT or pulmonary embolism before, those with genetic clotting disorders, varicose veins, pregnant women, and individuals using hormone therapy are in the risk group."

Emphasizing the vital importance of simple precautions that can be taken on long journeys, Gürsoy listed these precautions as follows:

"Activate your leg muscles with a 10-15 minute walk before your trip. Take short breaks every 1.5-2 hours for short walks. Stand up and sit down at regular intervals on vehicles such as planes, buses, or trains. Do ankle exercises while sitting. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Wear comfortable, non-tight clothing. Individuals at risk should wear compression stockings."

Gürsoy emphasized that anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden pain, swelling, and tenderness in the legs during or after travel should consult a cardiovascular surgeon without delay. He said, "If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, heartburn, or a sudden cough, you should go to the emergency room without delay. These symptoms may indicate an embolism, which occurs when a clot travels to the lungs, and urgent intervention can be life-saving."

"The most important cause of this vital problem is inactivity"

Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Köksal stated that increased long-term travel during the holiday period brings with it the risk of clot formation in the veins due to inactivity.

Köksal emphasized that DVT is one of the deadliest yet most preventable health problems of our time, saying, "If precautions are not taken, a clot that accumulates in the internal veins can travel to the lungs and cause sudden death. The most important cause of this vital problem, which we can prevent with simple precautions, is inactivity."

Köksal stated that excess weight, fluid loss due to sweating in hot weather, genetic predisposition and certain medications such as birth control pills are among the risk factors for DVT formation.

Köksal explained that veins allow the blood pumped by the heart to return to the lungs, saying, "The greatest force in transporting dirty blood up the legs is the contraction power of the calf muscles. Therefore, prolonged inactivity is a serious risk factor for clot formation."

"Ankle exercises should be done in a sitting position"

Prof. Dr. Köksal noted that, especially during long plane, bus, and car journeys, blood stagnates in the veins due to insufficient leg muscle function, increasing the risk of embolism. He offered the following recommendations:

Before embarking on long journeys, choose loose, comfortable clothing. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If possible, take short breaks and walk throughout the journey. On planes, take short walks along the aisle, keep your feet elevated as much as possible, and avoid crossing your legs. Ankle exercises should be done while seated. A gentle massage of the legs also supports blood circulation. For individuals in the risk group, wearing below-the-knee compression stockings is extremely beneficial in preventing blood clots.

Köksal stated that fluid loss due to sweating increases in hot weather and that blood fluidity decreases as the veins widen. He emphasized that this situation can pave the way for clot formation and that travelers should balance fluid loss with plenty of water or beverages such as fruit juice.

Köksal said, "If the calf muscles don't work during long periods of inactivity, clots in the veins are inevitable. Therefore, even during travel, we can prevent the risk of pulmonary embolism, or sudden death, by exercising the calf muscles and keeping our legs elevated as much as possible."