Preventing thrombosis on long journeys

In short: Sitting for a long time in a cramped seat on a plane, coach, train or car slows the blood flow in the legs. This increases the risk of a blood clot forming in a deep leg vein.

In more detail: For healthy people the risk is low, but it rises on journeys lasting several hours and with certain risk factors. Moving about and drinking enough are the most important simple countermeasures.

In detail

• What happens: In deep vein thrombosis, a clot blocks a vein, usually in the lower leg. If it comes loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
• Risk factors: People at higher risk include those with a previous thrombosis, after surgery, during pregnancy, with cancer, severe obesity or at an older age. Hormonal contraception can also raise the risk.
• Moving: Get up regularly and walk a few steps. While seated, circle your feet and alternately pull your toes up and point them to work the calf muscles.
• Seat: An aisle seat on a plane makes it easier to get up more often. Take regular breaks on car journeys.
• Drinking: Drink enough water. A lot of alcohol and sleeping pills are unhelpful because you then move less.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes and avoid crossing your legs for long periods.
• Compression stockings: For people at increased risk, well-fitting compression stockings can be useful. It is best to have size and strength fitted at a pharmacy or medical supply shop.
• Medical advice: Anyone in a risk group should check with a doctor before a long-haul trip whether further measures such as anticoagulant medicines are needed.
• Warning signs: Have swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg checked by a doctor. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain is an emergency: call the emergency number immediately (notruf-richtig-absetzen, herz-und-kreislauf, jetlag-verstehen-und-lindern).