Blood Clots (DVT): Warning Signs and Travel Tips

A blood clot in a deep vein (DVT) usually forms in the leg, and the real danger is if part of it travels to the lungs. Knowing the signs means you can get treatment early.

Imagine stepping off a 12-hour flight with one calf that feels tight and sore. You put it down to cramped seats. Two days later it’s swollen and warm. A quick scan confirms a clot, and treatment starts the same day, before it can cause something worse.

Signs of a DVT

• Throbbing or cramping pain in one leg, usually the calf or thigh
• Swelling in one leg
• Warm skin around the painful area
• Red or darkened skin (this can be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• Swollen, sore veins that are hard to touch

Signs a clot has reached the lungs

A pulmonary embolism is an emergency. Call emergency services for sudden breathlessness, chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing up blood, a racing heart or collapse.

Who is at higher risk?

• After surgery or a hospital stay, especially hip or knee operations
• Long periods of not moving, including flights or car journeys over about four hours
• Pregnancy and the weeks after giving birth
• Combined hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy
• Cancer and its treatment, obesity, smoking and a previous clot

But how do I lower my risk when travelling?

• Walk around every hour or two when you can
• Do seated calf exercises: flex and point your feet, and circle your ankles
• Drink water and limit alcohol
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• If you’re at higher risk, ask a doctor or pharmacist about properly fitted compression stockings

If you’ve had surgery, follow your discharge advice on moving, stockings and any blood-thinning injections or tablets exactly as prescribed.

Sources: NHS (DVT), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Blood clots and travel), World Health Organization (Travel and health), Thrombosis UK.