Those who have varicose veins can travel by plane, but must follow some measures to improve blood circulation of the legs and feet during the flight. If you have thicker varicose veins (calibrosas) you should avoid standing for a long time, sitting or standing because these situations cause blood to not circulate properly in the legs and feet, causing swelling (edema), increasing the possibility of formation of clot in the blood vessels (thrombus) and its displacement, which can cause a pulmonary embolism.
Some measures of prevention of circulatory problems during flight:
- walk in the hallway whenever possible,
- moving knees, belly of the leg (calf), ankle and toes,
- do not sit on your legs or cross them,
- do not wear tight clothing and socks,
- drink plenty of fluids.
People with circulatory problems should consult with the vascular surgeon before an extended trip of many hours, whether by plane or by other transportation, to guide the necessary prevention, including regarding the use of medicinal elastic stockings to improve blood flow and medication to prevent thrombosis.
