Traveling for the Holidays? 5 Tips to Prevent DVT

The holiday season often means long flights, car rides, or train trips to visit family and friends. But while traveling can be exciting, sitting still for hours increases your risk of DVT, a serious condition where blood clots form in deep veins.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we want our patients to travel safely and enjoy their holidays without health worries. Understanding DVT and taking preventive steps can make all the difference.

Deep vein thrombosis explained

DVT occurs when blood flow slows or becomes stagnant, which leads to the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the calf or thigh. If that clot breaks loose and migrates to the lungs, it can cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).

Collectively, these conditions come under the umbrella of venous thromboembolism (VTE), the third most common cause of vascular disease-related death behind heart attacks and ischemic strokes.

Long travel times with limited opportunity for movement create ideal conditions for DVT to develop. Even healthy individuals are at risk if they sit for more than four hours without shifting around.

Who is most at risk of DVT?

Anyone can develop DVT, but factors that increase your chances include:

• A history of blood clots or venous disease
• Family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
• Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Obesity or limited mobility
• Recent surgery or injury, especially to the legs or hips
• Pregnancy
• Hormone therapy
• Birth control pills
• Smoking
• Long travel periods without movement

If any of these apply to you, it’s essential to take precautions before your trip. Here are our suggestions:

1. Keep moving during travel

The best way to prevent DVT is to move regularly. On flights, aim to stand and stretch every hour or two. If you’re driving, take breaks to walk around every couple of hours.

While seated, flex your ankles, circle your feet, and contract your calf muscles. These movements mimic the action of walking and help keep blood flowing through your veins.

2. Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings apply gentle, graduated pressure to your legs, which encourages blood to flow upward toward the heart instead of pooling in your lower limbs.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we often recommend medical-grade compression stockings for frequent travelers or patients with vein issues. They can dramatically reduce swelling, discomfort, and the risk of clot formation during long trips.

Make sure your stockings fit properly. Ill-fitting or non-medical-grade compression socks may not offer the same level of protection.

3. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol

Dehydration makes your blood thicker, which increases the likelihood of it clotting. Drink plenty of water before and during your trip and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you.

If you’re flying, consider bringing a refillable water bottle to sip throughout the journey. Staying hydrated supports healthy circulation and helps prevent leg swelling.

4. Avoid tight clothing

Tight clothing, especially around your waist, thighs, or calves, restricts blood flow and increases your risk of DVT. Choose loose, comfortable clothes for travel, especially on long flights or drives.

If you must wear fitted pants or leggings, opt for ones made from stretchy, breathable materials that allow freedom of movement and don’t restrict your veins.

5. Know the warning signs of DVT

Even with precautions, DVT can sometimes develop silently. Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent serious complications.

Common warning signs include:

• Swelling in one leg (especially the calf)
• Pain or tenderness in the leg that often starts in the calf
• Warmth or redness over the affected area
• A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the leg
• Skin discoloration 

If you experience sudden shortness of breath, develop chest pain, or start coughing up blood, seek emergency medical attention immediately, as these signs could indicate you have a pulmonary embolism.

Additional preventive measures for high-risk patients

If you have a history of DVT, vein disease, or other circulation problems, it’s wise to speak with a vascular specialist before traveling. We can evaluate your vein health and may recommend additional steps, such as:

• Adjusting medications or prescribing a temporary blood thinner
• Using higher-grade compression therapy
• Scheduling a venous ultrasound to assess your circulation before travel

We utilize state-of-the-art imaging and evidence-based prevention strategies to keep your veins healthy and your risk low.

Travel confidently this holiday season

DVT prevention doesn’t mean avoiding travel; it means traveling smart. By moving frequently, staying hydrated, and supporting your circulation, you can protect your vein health and enjoy a safe, stress-free holiday.

This festive season, give yourself the gifts of good circulation and peace of mind by taking steps to prevent DVT wherever your travels take you. Contact Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC by phone or online today to arrange an evaluation.