Doctors warn prolonged sitting during long journeys can affect blood vessels 

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Long-distance travel, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity and smoking can have a significant impact on blood vessel health and circulation. Sitting in one position for several hours can slow blood flow in the legs, while regular walking and physical activity can support healthy circulation. 

Smoking, meanwhile, can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of vascular complications. Indian doctors raising awareness about a healthy heart recommend staying physically active, taking regular movement breaks during long journeys, and avoiding tobacco to maintain healthy blood circulation.

During long-distance travel, sitting continuously for several hours can reduce movement of the leg muscles, which normally helps blood return towards the heart. Limited movement may cause swelling, heaviness or discomfort in the legs and, in certain people, increase the risk of blood clots. 

Effects of prolong sitting

Dr Santosh Patil, vascular surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Pune said, “Prolonged sitting during travel can affect blood circulation, particularly in the lower limbs. We are seeing a growing number of people with symptoms such as leg heaviness, swelling, calf discomfort or numbness after long journeys. People travelling for several hours should avoid sitting continuously, move their legs frequently, take regular breaks to walk around whenever possible, stay adequately hydrated and avoid smoking during travel. Individuals with diabetes, obesity, previous blood clots or known vascular disease should be particularly careful and seek medical advice if they develop sudden leg swelling, severe pain or breathlessness.” 

Dr. Patil further added, “There is a 40 per cent rise in vascular complaints during the travel season. In a month, 4 out of 10 people aged 25–60 years coming to us report symptoms such as leg heaviness, calf pain, swelling, numbness or cold feet, particularly after prolonged sitting or long-distance travel. Walking is one of the simplest ways to support healthy blood circulation. Regular walking activates the calf muscles, improves blood flow, and can help maintain the health of the blood vessels. People who spend long hours sitting at work or travelling should make movement a regular part of their day rather than relying only on occasional exercise. Even short walking breaks, ankle movements, and stretching during prolonged periods of sitting can be useful. Those who experience recurring calf or leg pain while walking should not simply dismiss it as tiredness, as it may sometimes indicate reduced blood flow to the legs and requires medical evaluation.”

Other habits that can affect vascular health

Smoking is another major factor that can affect vascular health. “Around 30 per cent of patients with vascular complaints have a history of regular smoking. Monthly, there are approximately 3 out of 10 people belonging to age group 25-60 who visit with vascular complaints are regular smokers and have symptoms such as recurring calf pain while walking, cold feet, numbness, or slow-healing wounds. Smoking can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, narrow the arteries, and reduce blood flow to the legs. The risk can be even higher when smoking is combined with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Quitting tobacco is therefore one of the most important steps towards protecting vascular health. Along with quitting smoking, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can help protect the blood vessels. Follow these tips and stay healthy,” concluded Dr Patil.

Dr Dharmik Bhuva, senior consultant Vascular and Neuro Interventional Radiologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai said, “Long journeys with prolonged sitting can slow blood circulation in the legs and increase the risk of blood clots, especially in people who smoke or have a sedentary lifestyle. Studies suggest that the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases with prolonged travel, particularly when sitting for more than four hours. To improve circulation, travellers should get up, walk and stretch their legs every 1–2 hours, along with doing simple ankle movements while seated. Regular exercise and quitting smoking are also important for maintaining healthy blood vessels. People with existing vascular problems should take medical advice before undertaking long journeys.”