Travel More Than 4 Hours Doubles Blot Clot Risk

July 25, 2007 by  
Filed under Health and Fitness

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) – the collective name for DVTs and pulmonary embolisms (clots in the lungs) increases dramatically after 4 hours of travel in a plane, car, or otherwise.

Blood clots can form in the lower limbs during long periods of immobility – and can kill if they travel to the lungs.

Although the overall risk is low, being overweight, very tall or short (short is less than 1.6m cough, cough), and women taking oral contraceptives are more vulnerable. Keep in mind also that your risk remains elevated up to 4 weeks after traveling.

  • Other Stories From Around The Web:

Comments

2 Responses to “Travel More Than 4 Hours Doubles Blot Clot Risk”

    Trackbacks

    Check out what others are saying about this post...
    1. [...] matter where you sit, make sure to get up at least once an hour to reduce your blood clot risk. Since most airlines don’t offer power cords for your electronics, convert those headphone [...]

    2. [...] of blood flow. Same as when you’re flying, traveling for more than 4 hours at a time increases your risk of blood clots (for up to 4 weeks). Make it easier on your body by giving it as much room to breathe as possible. [...]



    Speak Your Mind

    Tell us what you're thinking...
    and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

    Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.