How to Avoid Blood Clots on Long Flights

Long Flight Ahead? Take Blood Clot Risks Seriously in UAE

At the peak of the summer travel season, health professionals in the United Arab Emirates are warning that the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots can increase during long flights. Pulmonary embolism (PE) — which occurs due to a blood clot forming in the lungs — particularly threatens those with pre-existing health issues or those who remain immobile for extended periods on a plane.

A real case serves as a warning

A passenger living in the UAE, returning from an eight-hour flight from the United Kingdom, presented with severe chest pain at the emergency department. After a few days of symptoms, doctors quickly diagnosed pulmonary embolism and immediately provided intensive care treatment. The case clearly illustrates that immobility and dehydration during flights can pose serious health threats, especially when predisposing factors are present.

Who is at risk?

According to UAE doctors, the following conditions necessitate increased caution before long flights:

Heart diseases, recent surgeries

Chronic respiratory problems (e.g., COPD, asthma)

Uncontrolled diabetes

Recent infections (e.g., COVID-19 or pneumonia)

High-risk pregnancies, especially in the third trimester

Predisposition to blood clots, previous thrombosis

Doctors emphasize that a simple prior medical consultation can be enough to determine whether oxygen supplementation or anticoagulant medication is needed during travel.

How to prevent the problem?

Long flights offer a perfect combination for blood clot formation due to dehydration, cramped seating, and immobility. According to doctors, the following simple steps can help a lot:

Stand up, walk, or move your legs every 1-2 hours

Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking

Wear compression stockings if recommended by a doctor

Avoid sleeping pills or sedatives that induce immobility

For high-risk passengers — like cancer patients or those with known coagulation disorders — doctors may prescribe low molecular weight heparin injections to prevent blood clots.

Watch for these symptoms

Symptoms caused by a blood clot can appear during the flight or days after landing. It is crucial to pay attention to these warning signs:

Sudden chest pain or pressure

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Unilateral leg pain or swelling

Rapid heart rate or palpitations

Dizziness, fainting

Bloody cough

Doctors emphasize that these are not just signs of travel fatigue but can be symptoms of life-threatening conditions.

What to do on the plane?

If the above symptoms occur during travel, the passenger should immediately inform the crew. Most airlines have emergency medical equipment available and can provide oxygen if necessary.

Experts say that pulmonary embolism is a preventable condition if passengers are aware of the risks and adequately prepare for a long journey.

Summary

Many do not consider air travel as a health risk, but for certain individuals, it can cause serious complications. Timely medical examinations and a few simple precautions can help prevent blood clots — and potentially save a life.

(Source: United Arab Emirates doctors' request.)