Doctors explain why holiday travel can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the symptoms people should never ignore.
HOUSTON — KHOU 11 News is taking a closer look at deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, a serious condition doctors say becomes more common this time of year — especially with increased holiday travel.
Medical experts warn that long periods of sitting during road trips or flights can significantly raise the risk of developing a blood clot, but they say early warning signs are often overlooked and treatment options have advanced in recent years.
What is DVT and why travel matters
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs.
“The, increase in travel is a huge risk. So, we see DVT increase around the times of holiday travel, especially around this time of year. Risks, if you will, that can lead to the development of DVT. The first is stasis. That’s where your blood just isn’t moving. So either you’re in like a long plane ride, a long car ride. Second is injury,” said Khaled Khalaf, an interventional cardiologist with Vital Heart and Vein.
Doctors say the risk increases when someone is immobile for more than four hours — something many travelers experience without realizing it.
A patient’s warning signs
That’s what happened to Daniel Kieran, who began noticing swelling in his leg after long periods of inactivity.
“I had a lot of swelling in my leg and, seeing my general physician, there were concerns that it was only on one side. And that led me here,” said Kieran.
Kieran was diagnosed and treated for DVT at Vital Heart and Vein, where Dr. Khalaf explained why the condition can quickly become life-threatening.
“For deep vein thrombosis. There’s two systems in your legs as far as the veins go deep and superficial. The deep system I want you to think of like your freeway. It’s really important. And the cars are moving really, really fast. If you get a blockage in there, it can be catastrophic, not just for your leg, but then that clot can break off and go to your lungs and cause a fatal pulmonary embolism,” said Khalaf.
New treatment options make a difference
Kieran was fortunate to catch the clot before it became deadly. He underwent a procedure that doctors say wasn’t widely available a decade ago.
“The ability to go below the knee has been a game changer because people never used to touch DVT. This is new. This is all within the last 5 to 10 years. The easiest thing for a guy like me and my plumber friends is to take the clot out when it’s fresh,” said Kieran.
Dr. Khalaf described how the device used in the procedure works.
“This wire allows for us to actually spin up the clot on the inside of the vessel and macerate it, and then this, this part here actually allows the suction to come in,” said Khalaf.
Kieran shared before-and-after photos following the surgery.
“There was cheering in the room. It was like being at a sports event,” he said.
How to lower your risk of DVT
Doctors say there are steps people can take to reduce their risk, especially if they expect to sit for long periods — whether in a car, on a plane, or during long workdays.
“You can prevent it by wearing compression stockings. My patients don’t like wearing them, but they help,” said Khalaf.
He also recommends simple movements to keep blood flowing.
The next time you’re driving, or riding on a long trip, doctors suggest doing calf raises periodically and getting up every few hours to move around.
“I would suggest that if you’re traveling out of out of state, out of Texas, then, take into consideration if you have any signs of swelling on one leg or the other, one side or the other, it’s, see your doctor immediately,” said Kieran.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Doctors say common warning signs include heaviness, cramping, and swelling — especially in one leg.
“Things to look out for. So heaviness, cramping and swelling are the main things. An increased risk for the development of a DVT is important to a lot of people who now are taking hormones. Hormones does have a propensity to increase the risk of blood clot formation,” said Khalaf.
When asked what message he wants people to take away, Dr. Khalaf emphasized urgency.
“It’s easy to blow off, too, especially in this DVT. My message to everybody is please don’t wait. Getting an ultrasound is not a big deal. It’s not expensive. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it could potentially save a life,” he said.
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