Doctors warn: summer travel may increase the risk of blood clots

Summer travels, synonymous with escape, also harbor an insidious threat to vascular health. In the cramped quarters of airplanes or overheated vehicles, blood flow dangerously slows, fostering the emergence of dreaded clots. Doctors warn: prolonged immobility multiplies the risks of thrombosis. Exposed to physical stress, post-surgical patients or pregnant women become particularly vulnerable during long journeys. The appearance of pain, warmth, and redness in a limb signals a medical emergency. Ignoring these symptoms can precipitate serious complications, including pulmonary embolism. Prevention requires vigilance and precise actions at every step of the journey. The major challenge remains anticipation, to maintain optimal blood circulation throughout summer reunions.

Overview

Summer travel: a time of increased risk for the formation of blood clots. Particularly at risk: individuals who have undergone recent surgery, those who are overweight, or pregnant women. Long flights or car journeys exceeding 4 to 5 hours increase the risk in these groups. Symptoms to watch for: swelling, pain, sensitivity in the leg, and sometimes a red and warm area. To limit the risk: take regular breaks, perform calf exercises (rising on toes, heels), and use compression socks. An untreated clot can migrate and block blood flow to the lungs or heart.

Increased Risk of Blood Clots During Summer Travel #

Prolonged journeys by plane or car exacerbate the risk of blood clots. The lack of space to stretch legs and immobility over extended periods hinder blood circulation, exposing travelers to potential complications.

Vulnerable Groups During Travel #

Certain profiles exhibit increased risk when traveling in summer: individuals who have recently undergone surgery, those who are overweight, and pregnant women. For them, a journey lasting four to five hours multiplies the chances of developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

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Warning Signs and Symptoms #

Pain in a lower limb, accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth to the touch, suggests the formation of a clot. The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention also describes a sensation of heaviness and tension in the calf, indicating the possible severity of the situation.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms #

Prolonged immobility promotes blood stagnation in deep veins, particularly in the lower limbs. This phenomenon slows venous return and facilitates clot formation, which can migrate and obstruct major vessels, jeopardizing lung and cardiac function.

Preventive Measures During Long Journeys #

The Importance of Mobility

Taking the time to stand up or walk every two hours proves essential. Simple exercises, such as ankle flexes or heel raises, activate the calf muscle pump and maximize venous return.

Use of Compression Socks

Compression socks prevent swelling and stimulate blood circulation. Wearing them significantly reduces the risk of edema during long journeys, particularly in individuals with a history of vein disorders.

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The adoption of simple practices turns clot prevention into a decisive asset for traveler safety.

Consequences of an Untreated Clot #

An undiagnosed deep clot can migrate into the pulmonary circulation, causing a serious embolism. This risk demands heightened vigilance for clinical signs and responsiveness in the presence of symptoms to avert any dramatic progression.