Understanding DVT: The Blood Clot Risks That Go Beyond Long Flights

Most people have heard that long flights can raise the risk of a blood clot in the leg — a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. That’s true, but it’s only part of the story. DVT can develop from many everyday situations that have nothing to do with air travel: recovering from surgery, a long hospital stay, certain medications, and more. Knowing the full range of risk factors — and the warning signs — matters, because a DVT can occasionally lead to a life-threatening complication. Here’s what to understand as we head toward World Thrombosis Day.

What is a DVT?

A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins, usually in the leg. On its own, a leg clot can cause pain and swelling. The bigger concern is if part of the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a medical emergency. That’s why recognizing and addressing DVT early is so important. DVT falls within the broader family of venous disease we treat, and you can read our full DVT condition guide for more detail.

Risk factors beyond long flights

Travel gets the headlines, but the underlying issue is anything that slows blood flow, damages a vein, or makes blood clot more easily. Common risk factors include:

Surgery and hospitalization. Major surgery — especially orthopedic procedures like hip or knee replacement — and extended bed rest are among the most significant risk factors, because immobility slows blood flow in the legs.

Prolonged immobility of any kind. It isn’t just flights. Long car trips, recovery from illness or injury, or even long stretches at a desk without moving can contribute.

Cancer and its treatment. Some cancers and therapies increase clotting risk.

Pregnancy and the weeks after delivery. Pregnancy raises clotting risk, which remains elevated for a period postpartum.

Hormone-based medications. Birth control pills and hormone therapy can increase risk for some people.

Inherited clotting conditions. Some people are born with conditions that make their blood more prone to clotting, sometimes revealed by a family history of clots.

Other factors, including older age, obesity, smoking, and a previous DVT.

Often it’s a combination — for example, surgery plus an inherited tendency to clot. Understanding your personal risk helps you and your doctor take sensible precautions when needed.

The warning signs of DVT

A DVT often affects just one leg. Watch for:

• Swelling in one leg (rather than both)
• Pain or tenderness, which may start in the calf
• Warmth over the affected area
• Red or discolored skin

These symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for a pulled muscle, so the one-sided pattern is an important clue. If you notice them — especially after surgery, illness, or a period of limited movement — seek medical evaluation promptly.

When it’s an emergency

A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you have:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that may worsen with a deep breath
• A rapid heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Don’t wait to see whether these pass. Prompt treatment saves lives.

How DVT is diagnosed and treated

If a DVT is suspected, diagnosis is usually straightforward. A duplex ultrasound — the same painless sound-wave imaging used for other vein problems — is the primary test, sometimes alongside a blood test called a D-dimer.

Treatment most often centers on anticoagulant (“blood thinner”) medication to stop the clot from growing and prevent new ones while your body reabsorbs the existing clot. In select, more severe cases, a filter placed in the vena cava can catch clots before they reach the lungs. Your care team will tailor treatment to your situation.

Lowering your risk

You can’t change every risk factor, but you can reduce risk in higher-risk moments — keep moving on long trips or during recovery, follow your care team’s post-surgery guidance, and ask about your personal risk if you’re pregnant, starting hormone therapy, or have a family history of clots. For a full prevention checklist, see our DVT Prevention guide.

Get Evaluated for DVT in Georgia and Northeast Ohio

If you have symptoms of a blood clot or risk factors for DVT, timely evaluation matters. The board-certified team at Preferred Vascular Group provides comprehensive venous care at convenient locations across Georgia and Northeast Ohio. For symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, call 911 immediately.

Call 404-554-2080 (Atlanta) or 216-273-8010 (Cleveland), or visit https://preferredvasculargroup.com/request-an-appointment/ to schedule a consultation.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots).” Link
2. Deep Venous Thrombosis. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, 2024. Link
3. Deep Venous Thrombosis Prophylaxis. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, 2024. Link

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.