What are the Risks of Flying with Varicose Veins?

Flying with varicose veins may seem like an intimidating experience, but there is no reason why you should not enjoy a vacation abroad like everyone else. We discuss the risks of flying with varicose veins on this page and how you may minimize them using some simple suggestions.

WHAT IS THE LEG DISCOMFORT I AM FEELING AFTER FLYING?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is typically a throbbing pain in the lower extremities. While deep vein thrombosis is rare, flying is a risk factor in its occurrence. DVT is a blood clot that installs at the point of discomfort. Although uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening if it remains in the leg vein.

Unfortunately, the blood clot travels through the venous system to the heart, pumping it to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism ensues when a blood clot reaches the lung and is life-threatening. 

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT FLYING WITH VARICOSE VEINS

“Should you fly if you suffer from varicose veins” is one of the most frequent questions concerning this vein condition, especially if you wish to venture abroad for some days or maybe months.

Many sufferers refuse to vacation because they worry that flying will boost their probability of developing a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer one way or the other. There are considerable dangers that arrive with flying when you suffer from circulatory conditions; however, some of these may be minimal, and there are specific steps you may take to reduce your chances of developing further complications.

To help you prepare for flying with varicose veins and determine if this is an option for you in the first place, we will discuss the following:

• Potential risks of flying for those with varicose veins
• What you can do to alleviate symptoms

WHAT WOULD BE THE RISKS OF FLYING WITH VARICOSE VEINS

To begin with, let us get the bad news out of the way. Before flying with varicose veins, there are a few matters to be aware of. Most of these concerns are minor, but you should do everything possible to make your flying experience as safe and risk-free as possible.

–IMMOBILIZATION

You must not be inactive for an extended period when you suffer from varicose veins. One of the main troubles associated with flying lies: depending on the length of your flight, you could be sitting inactive for hours at a time.

A World Health Organization (WHO) publication identified immobility as a more significant risk factor for cardiovascular health than cabin pressure. This risk factor occurs because when we are sedentary for an extended period, blood does not circulate properly, which can increase the risk of developing a blood clot.

Try staying comfortable when traveling with varicose veins.

–PRESSURIZED CABIN

When you fly in an airplane, the cabins are pressurized to ensure you get a constant supply of oxygen. However, this pressure is lower than we experience on the ground, meaning that the body is not taking as much oxygen as it usually would. This situation exacerbates any existing circulation problems, slows blood flow, and increases the chances of developing complications. 

–STRESS

Flying may be an incredibly stressful experience: you stay locked in a tin container suspended thousands of feet above the surface and forced to sit down next to a stranger while enjoying whatever treat the airline deems edible. You may feel anxious about traveling with varicose veins even if you are not nervous.

–DEHYDRATION

The foremost cause of dehydration during air travel is not an excess of complimentary champagne: it is the low humidity in the cabins. In typical situations, interior humidity levels vary between thirty and sixty-five percent.

However, the humidity in aircraft cabins is typically between ten and twenty percent, so it is easy to see why many people become dehydrated while traveling.

Dehydration may worsen varicose veins, as it may slow down blood flow.

MEASURES TO TAKE IF HAVING VARICOSE VEINS WHEN TRAVELING

We also have good news here: there are ways to reduce the risk of developing complications such as dehydration and blood clots. The following helpful tips should help you deal with your varicose veins while boarding an airplane and ensure a safe flight.

–USE OF HORSE CHESTNUT REMEDIES

You may find herbal remedies made with fresh horse chestnut extracts specifically for treating varicose veins, helping relieve some of the most distressing varicose veins’ symptoms, such as swelling and cramping.

Adults over eighteen years old may take these natural remedies if they are not allergic to peanuts or soy, are pregnant, nursing, or suffering from varicose leg ulcers.

Other helpful natural remedies also provide refreshing relief from the symptoms of varicose veins.

–WEARING COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

You may find compression stockings at most pharmacies and retailers; these stockings work by gently applying pressure to the legs, stimulating blood flow and improving circulation. You may even purchase specialized “flight socks,” explicitly designed to reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis during flights.

–GET DRESSED IN COMFORTABLE CLOTHING FOR TRAVELING

If you plan to fly when suffering from varicose veins, there are more sensible options than wearing a pair of tight-fitting jeans or pants. Nothing you decide to wear should restrict blood flow in any way, so try to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your body to breathe and avoids putting pressure on your legs.

Also, the same advice goes for your feet: opt for comfortable, adjustable shoes that allow you to relieve pressure if necessary.

–EXERCISING YOUR LEGS

If you suffer from varicose veins, consider paying extra for seats with extra legroom. Not only will this keep you from sitting uncomfortably in a corner, but it will also allow you to practice some simple leg exercises while flying. These leg exercises promote blood circulation and help prevent complications such as blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.

–DRINKING PLENTY OF LIQUIDS

Throughout your flight, ensure you drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. This measure will nourish your immune system, enhance blood circulation, lower the chance of worsening blood clots, and help you feel refreshed and invigorated. 

–GETTING RELAXED

Relaxing on your flight is very important, even if you are not a nervous traveler. Stay calm by reading a good book or practicing simple breathing exercises. Ignore the need to take sleeping pills, as they will only increase your susceptibility to immobility.

If you would benefit from some stress relief, try meditating or practicing breathing exercises; being in control of your breathing and mind should allow you to feel serene and in command during your flight.

VEIN TREATMENTS AT MODERN HEART AND VASCULAR

At Modern Heart and Vascular, we have years of practice providing the most suitable and latest vein removal treatments and have treated several patients concerned about their veins. In addition, we work with highly qualified vascular specialists with extensive experience and training in their field.

We offer some of the least intrusive methods for varicose veins and other vein conditions. And with no long-winded downtime or recovery required. Instead, we focus on the underlying cause of your veins.

The benefits of non-surgical and least-intrusive treatments are the following:

• May be performed in a clinic (without hospitalization)
• No general anesthesia
• Ninety-eight success rate
• Extremely effective
• Walk-in treatment
• No downtime or time off work

It would be best if you treat your varicose veins as soon as possible. However, if you can point out worrisome changes in the appearance of your veins on the surface of your skin, then have a vein specialist check it out immediately. You may book an appointment for varicose vein treatment at any of our Modern Heart and Vascular Institute clinics.

It is always best to prevent a problem from developing before it becomes more severe. Additionally, if you have threat factors for varicose veins, such as family background, consider calling us to visit our Modern Heart and Vascular experts. We can offer you additional ideas to maintain your veins thriving while you execute your daily activities.

Varicose veins may cause discomfort, cramping, loss of function, and more severe health problems. If you or somebody you treasure is at risk of presenting varicose veins, we suggest consulting a specialist healthcare provider or your physician.

If you have suspicions about varicose veins or wish to be assessed by one of our vascular experts, do not hesitate to contact us.

At Modern Heart and Vascular, we are determined to place our patients first and provide all the responses to your questions about heart health and heart issues. We accept most major insurance companies, including Medicare. Some appointments are available. 

CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

• Cleveland, Texas
• The Woodlands, Texas
• Livingston, Texas
• Humble, Texas
• Katy, Texas
• Humble, Texas – imaging Center

We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice. For more information, contact us.

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