By Mai Al Abria — MUSCAT: May 17 - The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned motorists and passengers against undertaking long road trips, saying it raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein, most commonly the legs. Citing a study published by German Automobile Club (ADAC), the ROP said sitting in the car for long hours, especially during journeys, raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis. In the worst case, it could lead to fatal pulmonary embolism, it warned.
The non-specific signs of DVT may include pain, swelling, redness, warmness, and engorged superficial veins. According to the study, things that can raise the risk of DVT include past DVT or pulmonary embolism, a recent surgery or injury, a blood clotting disorder and cancer. Pregnancy, taking hormones for birth control or hormone therapy also pose some amount of risk. Sitting still for four or more hours slows down blood flow in your legs, which is likely to cause blood clot.
In the next few weeks, your blood clot risk remains higher than normal. Even if you are healthy and have a low risk of blood clots, a long road trip raises the risk of DVT. In order to prevent this danger, motorists should stop every hour or so. Get off the vehicle and walk around for a few minutes. Passengers travelling in a bus, train or plane should walk up and down the aisle every hour or so. While sitting, raise and lower your toes and keep your heels on the floor. Then raise/ lower your heels and keep your toes on the floor. Keep doing it every 20 minutes. Motorists and passengers should drink extra fluids, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and wear loose-fitting clothes that are not tight around the waist or legs.
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