When people think about blood clots, they often imagine cramped airplane seats on long-haul flights. But experts warn that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) isn't just an issue for travellers — it’s a hidden risk in everyday life too. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get glued to our desks, binge-watch shows for hours, or spend endless time scrolling on our phones. What many don’t realize is that sitting still for too long without moving can slow down blood flow in the legs, creating the perfect conditions for dangerous clots to form.

“Many believe that DVT only happens after long flights, but that's a misconception. In reality, it can occur even if you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours without moving,” explains Dr Raghuram Sekhar, Consultant, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. “Your veins depend on the muscle action from movement to help pump blood back to the heart. When you sit still for prolonged periods, that circulation slows dramatically, raising the risk of clot formation.”

Whether you’re working from home, recovering from surgery, or simply caught in a weekend Netflix marathon, the hidden danger is real — and it’s closer to home than most people realise.

Silent Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

DVT happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh. While some people may not notice anything at first, typical warning signs include swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in the affected limb. Left untreated, DVT can escalate into a life-threatening pulmonary embolism — where the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow.

“Unfortunately, DVT often progresses silently,” says Dr Sekhar. “By the time symptoms show up, the clot may have already grown large or even broken loose.”

It’s Not Just About Age or Travel: Everyday Risks

And it’s not just frequent flyers or the elderly who should be worried. The modern sedentary lifestyle — hours spent sitting for work, gaming, or binge-watching — is fueling a rise in DVT cases among younger adults too.

"Extended periods of immobility, whether you're recovering from surgery, working from home, or glued to a screen, all increase the risk," Dr Sekhar points out. Hormonal factors like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can also elevate risk, along with conditions like cancer, clotting disorders, obesity, smoking, and ageing.

How DVT Is Diagnosed and Treated

Timely detection is crucial. According to Dr Sekhar, “A simple, non-invasive Doppler ultrasound can help diagnose DVT early. Once caught, it can be managed effectively with blood thinners to prevent the clot from growing or causing new ones.” In more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures can be used to remove or dissolve the clot, especially if blood flow is severely blocked.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

However, prevention remains the strongest shield. “Regular movement is key," advises Dr Sekhar. "Even standing up and walking around every hour can significantly lower your risk.” Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, managing medical conditions properly, and wearing compression stockings if prescribed can also go a long way in preventing DVT.

Break the Myth: DVT Can Strike Anywhere

He stresses the need to break the myth that DVT is just an “air travel” problem. "You can develop a clot sitting at your home desk or lounging on your couch," he says. "Public awareness is critical to tackling this silent but serious threat."

At the end of the day, DVT is preventable and treatable — but only if recognised in time. Listening to your body, spotting early warning signs, and making small lifestyle changes could make all the difference.

“It’s all about staying vigilant and proactive,” Dr Sekhar shares. “Your veins — and your life — depend on it.”

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