The Cardiovascular Care Group Blog

FAQs About Traveling with Vein Issues

Written by Dr. Cindy Sturt, MD, FACS | Aug 13, 2022 2:45:48 PM

If you're traveling soon and concerned about how your veins will hold up, we understand! This can be a common worry for people with vein issues.

As experts in vein care, we have heard many of the concerns from our patients over the years. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling with vein issues. We hope this will help answer some of your concerns and put your mind at ease.


Can I Travel with Vein Issues?

If you're wondering if you can travel with vein issues, the short answer is yes! But, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

For one, you'll want to make sure you're well-rested and that your medical condition is under control. If you're on medication for your vein issues, be sure to bring enough of it with you and your doctor's contact information in case of an emergency.

It's also a good idea to wear compression stockings while you're traveling. These will help to keep the blood flowing in your veins and reduce the risk of blood clots. And, last but not least, always carry a copy of your medical insurance card with you.

Just remember that with a bit of preparation, traveling with vein issues is totally doable. So go ahead and book that trip – you deserve it!

What Are the Risks of Traveling with Vein Issues?

First of all, it's important to understand that there are two types of vein issues: cosmetic and medical. Cosmetic vein issues are simply those that impact the appearance of the veins, while medical vein issues can be more serious and may require treatment.

If you have a medical condition affecting your veins, you should check with your doctor before booking a trip. There are some risks associated with traveling if you have a vein condition, including an increased chance of developing blood clots.

But don't worry – with the right precautions, you can still enjoy your trip! Make sure to get up and move around every few hours, drink plenty of water, and avoid sitting in the same position for too long.

Is it Safe to Fly if I’ve Had a History of DVT?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a specific type of blood clot that forms in the more prominent veins deep inside your system. The clot usually occurs in veins in the legs, pelvis, thighs and other vital organs. DVT can affect anybody, but it becomes more common with age. Things that can increase the likelihood of having DVT include obesity, pregnancy, smoking and periods of inactivity.

The two main reasons this can be an issue is due to sitting still for long periods of time, and secondly the fact that the air is thinner at altitude. This means there are less oxygen molecules in the air, and so there is less oxygen in the bloodstream. 

So, knowing if it is safe to fly will vary from person to person. However, if you are out of the recovery phase, taking anticoagulation medication and doing plenty of exercise, the risk of you developing DVT again is low and you should be able to fly. Since this is a case-by-case situation, please check with your doctor first to go over your own specific issues.

What Are Some Precautions I Can Take When Traveling with Vein Issues?

Here are a few precautions you can take when traveling with vein issues:

  • Get up and move around every hour or so. This will help keep the blood flowing.

  • Avoid wearing tight clothing or shoes. This can put pressure on your veins and make it difficult for the blood to flow. However, wearing compression socks will help keep blood flowing in your legs and reduce the risk of clots.

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

  • If you're traveling by car, make sure to take regular breaks and move around a bit.

  • Finally, make sure to pack all of your necessary medications and supplies. Don't forget things like compression stockings and ice packs, which can help keep your veins healthy while you're on vacation.

Conclusion

With summer in full swing, we want to help you feel comfortable about enjoying this time of year and the travel associated with it. If you have vein issues and are planning on traveling, the Vein Institute can help. We offer a variety of treatments to improve the appearance of your veins and make travel easier.

Call us today to schedule an appointment.