If you have any  (or several) of the risk factors above, you may be at a greater risk for developing a DVT while traveling than your traveling companions. And, of course, your risk level goes up with each additional factor that you have. If you plan on traveling and you are concerned about the risk for a DVT, talk to your doctor about specific options you might have to prevent a clot while you’re on your trip.

Keep Moving

If you’re taking a long flight, train or bus ride, it helps to stand up periodically.  Stretch and walk, even if it's just down the aisle or to the restroom. Standing and moving around will keep blood flowing in your legs, and will minimize the risk of blood pooling there and forming a DVT. If you’re going on a long car trip, make frequent stops to get out and stretch your legs. You should also try to shift your weight and position frequently during the trip, rather than trying to get comfortable and fall asleep.

You can also perform a number of exercises right from your seat that will lower your risk of developing a blood clot. These range from flexing your heels and toes in alternate timing to stretching the calf muscle, to pulling one knee at a time to your chest and holding for 10 seconds before alternating.

If you think you can't do this, talk to your doctor about using graduated compression stockings, which help encourage blood flow and stop blood from pooling in the lower legs during long trips.

Know The Signs -- And Act On Them

The signs of a blood clot are characteristic but often overlooked or dismissed as something else. If you develop the signs or symptoms of a blood clot and know that you have one or more risk factors, you should act on those symptoms immediately to avoid complications or death.