News

Blood Clots

Monday June 26, 2006
Stacie Cooper PA-C

Will you be Driving, Vacationing or Traveling this summer? Know your risks.

Traveling this summer? Many Ridgecrest citizens utilize the summer as a great time to escape the confines of the city and visit family and friends throughout the United States. As a new resident of Ridgecrest, I too have summer plans to visit family in Miami, Florida. Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, you may be increasing your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) more commonly known as a blood clot. However, what exactly is a deep vein thrombosis and how does it form? When blood evolves from its normal state of a liquid to a solid state it produces a clot. The most common veins affected are those of the legs and pelvis region. The effects of DVT’s vary yet many can be fatal. A study conducted by the UK Department for Transport on health disturbances associated with long distance travel has discovered that the risk of DVT may be greater among long distance travelers. The risk of DVT was found to be greater with any form of travel, probably due to the immobility for prolonged periods during travel.

So what are some of the signs one might notice during travel should a DVT be present? Localized pain or tenderness within a calf or thigh muscle is often a symptom of DVT. In addition, more serious symptoms include the onset of a cough, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart palpitations.

You may be wondering what steps can I take while traveling this summer to minimize my risk of deep vein thrombosis? While flying, move around the cabin since maintaining good blood circulation can help. While seated in a vehicle, train or plane, move your ankles as much as possible. Spelling the letters of the alphabet with your toes is a great way to pass time while keeping blood circulating as well. Move about the cabin as often as possible and make several stops when driving cross-country so that you can take a quick short walk. Avoid sitting with legs crossed and clothes that are restrictive. In addition, taking sleeping pills prior to travel can often leave one motionless for longer periods thus avoid this as well if possible. Doctors often recommend support hose to improve circulation and or aspirin, which aids in the prevention of blood clot formation if indicated. Thus, if traveling is in your summer plans…keep these tips in mind to prevent a serious potentially life-threatening condition.

Stacie Cooper, PAC is a certified Physician Assistant working at Drummond Medical Center in Family Medicine and in our Urgent Care Center. Contact her at 1111 North China Lake Blvd., (760) 446-4571.