A vascular consultant has warned holidaymakers to be aware of four red flag symptoms that should never be ignored after a flight, as they could indicate a serious medical condition. Dr Mark Regi, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at VeinCentre, explained that air travel, particularly long-haul flights, can put extra strain on the circulatory system due to limited movement for extended periods.
People with poor circulation or varicose veins are at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot usually found in the leg. Symptoms of DVT include a throbbing pain in the calf or thigh, swelling in one leg, swollen veins, and the skin around the leg becoming red, blue or darkened. Dr Regi advised that if any swelling does not ease after a flight and is accompanied by a dull ache or heavy cramping, it is worth speaking to a doctor.
He emphasised that DVT can be serious, and urged people to keep a close eye on any changes that do not settle down. If shortness of breath or chest pain occur alongside these symptoms, medical advice should be sought immediately, as this could be a sign that a clot has travelled to the lung. Last year, influencer Molly-Mae Hague shared her own scare after experiencing severe leg pain following a flight from Dubai, highlighting that it can happen to anyone at any age.
Dr Regi recommended that people with known poor circulation or varicose veins move around as much as possible during long-haul flights, invest in medical-grade compression stockings, stay hydrated, and minimise alcohol and caffeine intake. Exercises such as calf raises and ankle pumps can also help maintain blood flow. He stressed that varicose veins should not be dismissed as a cosmetic issue, as treatments like Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) are available to address the underlying venous insufficiency.
