A blood clot is a health condition that many people do not think about too often. It is quickly brushed aside as something that will go away over time. However, with the recent deaths of Carrie Fisher, Gary Shandling, and other famous celebrities who have died after long plane trips: it is time to take a look at the dangers of developing a blood clot while traveling.

On December 27th, 2016, Famed Actress Debbie Reynolds tweeted an update about Carrie Fisher's hospitalization.

Reynolds stated that her daughter was in stable condition, and thanked all her fans for their prayers. She had also promised to give future updates as her condition gets better. But on December 29th, the world received the terrible news that Debbie Reynolds had died a day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher had passed away.

Actress Carrie Fisher was on a flight from London to Los Angeles, California when she experienced severe pain in her chest. The Star Wars actress later went into full cardiac arrest while still on board the flight. She was met at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by a medical team that rushed her to UCLA, where she died a few days later.

Shortly, after Carrie Fisher's death; the just released autopsy report of Gary Shandling, who died on March 24th, 2016, highlighted that he had died from a blood clot. The actor-comedian had previously traveled to Hawaii and complained of not feeling well a few days after returning home. Additionally, the popular rapper, Heavy D had also died from a blood clot he developed on a long flight from London to the United States.

While a blood clot or pulmonary distress is the main factor that linked all these famous people deaths together. It can also happen to regular individuals who takes long trips on commercial vehicles.

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot, also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), develops from blood collected in your feet.

Sitting immobile with your feet hanging down for an extended period are the main cause. Additionally, if your blood cannot flow back upwards throughout your body if will thicken in the deep veins found in the calf and thigh muscles.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

Swelling in your ankle and calf area as well as numbness in your feet is some of the signs you will experience from a blood clot. Once you have experienced these symptoms you should visit your physician who will prescribe medication that will break down the hardened area.

How to prevent blood clots during travel

simple drugs such as Bayer's aspirin and other blood thinners taken before your trip can help your blood flow freely throughout your body.

Keeping your feet elevated should also help alleviate the problem. Take frequent rest stop breaks and walk around a little before resuming your journey. If you are on an airplane get up and move around the isle if possible, or take frequent bathroom breaks.

Finally, take all necessary precautions to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. You can also visit your doctor before going on long trips. Additionally, there are prescribed medications as well as over the counter drugs that will keep your blood flowing until your feet are on land again!