Long periods of sitting promote worsening of thrombosis, increasing the possibility of pulmonary embolism
Thrombosis is a vascular disease that causes symptoms such as swelling AND leg pain and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects approximately 1 in 1,000 people worldwide. Long journeys, whether by car or plane, can contribute to the worsening of the condition, which can progress to pulmonary embolism.
“Long periods of sitting during travel slow down blood circulation, increasing the risk of these clots forming,” explains the Doctor Carol Mardeganspecialist in vascular surgery and member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV).
For patients diagnosed with thrombosis, the main treatment to avoid more serious complications is maintenance queries updated doctors. It is also necessary to stay away from cigarettes, control body weight, fight high cholesterol and not drink too much alcohol, explains the professional.
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Precautions for car travel
When traveling by car, to reduce symptoms, Dr. Carol recommends:
- Take breaks every two hours to stretch your legs and walk around a bit;
- Move your feet and legs while traveling;
- Don’t squeeze or cross your legs for too long.
Airplane transport
When traveling by plane, where it is common to spend even longer periods of time sitting, other strategies can be adopted.
“In addition to moving your legs regularly during the flight, it is important wear elastic compression stockings, which help stimulate blood flow. It is also recommended to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and stay hydrated“, He says.
If you intend to leave for a long trip and have a history of thrombosis or are predisposed to developing it, it is essential, before the trip, to maintain a medical check-up, so that the specialist can evaluate your state of health and advise you on the necessary treatments to avoid worsening of the disease.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
