Long Travel Raises Risk of Blood Clots

Boston (DbTechNo) – Results of a new study find that going on long flights can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

For their study, researchers from the division of cardiology at Harvard Medical School reviewed and compiled data from 14 studies performed on blood clots and length of travel time.

The researchers noted that for every 2 hours of travel in which a person is confined to a cramped seat, their risk of developing blood clots in the legs goes up by 18 percent.

These numbers applied to people whether they flew, took a train or even drove.

These blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis occur when blood pools in the lower extremities, symptoms of which include swelling of the legs, abnormal warmth in the legs and tenderness.

People who embark on long travel are advised to stretch their legs every hour or so, and to drink water to remain hydrated.

The full study can be found in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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