How to Manage Venous Insufficiency During Long Flights

Travel is a great way to learn more about the world and yourself. However, if you have venous insufficiency, long flights or extended car rides can increase your risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular-related complications.

At Chinatown Cardiology, with four New York City locations, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic venous insufficiency and other vein diseases.

Our board-certified cardiologists use the latest diagnostic technologies, including venous mapping, to assess blood flow through the veins in your upper and lower extremities.

We also provide minimally invasive procedures to improve your vein health before you set off on your next long-distance trip.

Understanding venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is a circulatory disorder when damaged leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back to the heart efficiently. That results in the blood pooling in your legs, causing complications like swelling, leg heaviness, and varicose veins.

Chronic venous insufficiency can develop for several reasons. Some people are born with vein malformations that prevent blood from flowing freely. However, many causes of insufficiency stem from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots that form in the deep veins of the leg.

A clot can leave scar tissue that damages the vein valves that help blood flow in one direction. Damaged valves permit blood to flow backward, pool in the vein, and cause an enlargement.

5 tips to prevent vein complications when traveling

People at risk of venous insufficiency and those already diagnosed should take extra precautions when traveling by car or plane. Here are a few strategies to protect your circulatory health and minimize your risk of blood clots on your next trip:

1. Stay hydrated

Before you leave and while you travel, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Also, avoid alcohol the night before and during your flight because it can increase your risk of clots.

2. Get up and move

If you’re flying, get up and walk around the cabin to stretch your legs every two hours. If you’re riding in a car, plan a few pit stops to move your body.

3. Wear compression socks

Compression socks gently press on your ankles and legs to keep blood flowing. Wearing good-quality socks while traveling can minimize your risk of fluid retention, swelling, and clots.

4. Dress comfortably

Tight-fitting clothing can cut off blood flow and make you uncomfortable when sitting for a long time. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that don’t restrict your legs or arms.

5. Schedule a pre-travel checkup

If you have concerns about blood clots or other potential complications during extended travel, it’s a good idea to meet with our team ahead of departure. We assess your risk factors for clots and other issues to determine if you need treatment before you leave.

Scheduling a pre-travel evaluation several weeks before your trip ensures there’s enough time to get any medications or procedures you need. We can also provide guidance to help you care for your cardiovascular health while traveling.

Call the Chinatown Cardiology office near you today to schedule a vein evaluation, or request an appointment online.