The devastating condition that kills in minutes that can strike on a car journey | The Sun
IF you have road trip planned this summer, it might be worth planning out breaks – and lots of them.
This is because long trips in the car can increase your risk of a killer condition, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
If you recognise DVT, you probably only associate it with old people, flying and certain medications, like the Pill.
But everyone – no matter how old or young, healthy or unhealthy – is at risk of the condition when on the move.
DVT is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg, the NHS says.
If the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, which can kill very quickly.
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And sitting still on a plane, train or car for long periods of time, increases your risk of a DVT, Dr Sarah Brewer, medical director of Healthspan previously told The Sun.
She said holidaymakers must be alert to the signs and symptoms, because DVT can prove deadly months after you get home.
Dr Brewer said: "Guidelines state that a DVT or pulmonary embolism that occurs within eight weeks of travel may be attributed to the journey and classed as travel-related."
According to the expert, any travelling can increase your chances of developing DVT.
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"Any long distance journey lasting four hours or more doubles your risk of a venous thrombosis, however you travel – whether by plane, car, coach or train," she added.
Doctor Vladimir Lakhter, a cardiologist at Temple University Hospital, US, urged holidaymakers to get out of the car and take a brief walk every hour or so, while on a long journey.
What are the signs and symptoms to watch for?
The symptoms of DVT include:
- tenderness and redness in the affected area e.g. calf
- swollen, painful legs, especially if one is more affected than the other
- discoloration of the affected area due to poor blood flow
- fever
Often you will have no idea you had a DVT until it causes more serious symptoms.
Source: NHS
"Doing so allows the leg muscles to contract and keep the venous blood circulation moving efficiently," he told HuffPost.
It's also very important you stay hydrated – which may force your to take more breaks!
“Maintaining adequate hydration also means minimising the intake of beverages which can dehydrate our bodies — these include caffeine and alcohol,” the expert added.
Wearing compression socks or stockings can reduce your risk of a clot, too, by supporting blood flow in your lower legs.
And if you have to delay or skip the driving breaks, make a point to move your legs in the car.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends holding your legs out straight and flexing your ankles so your toes are pointed towards you – you should do this at least ten times.
Although anyone can suffer from DVT, some people are more at risk than others.
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According to the NHS, you're at high risk if:
- you've had surgery in the four weeks before you fly – if you were under general anaesthetic for more than 30 minutes
- you have a blood clotting disorder, such as thrombophilia
- you have cancer – whether untreated or currently on treatment
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