How to Prevent Blood Clots

Ways to Avoid Blood Clots or DVT

Sep 7, 2008 Robin Mayhall

DVT or blood clots are a life-threatening condition. Learn the risk factors and how to lower your risk.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots is a serious and life-threatening condition in which blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs, thighs or pelvis. Blood clots can occur anywhere in the body.

Risk Factors for Blood Clots

A number of factors increase the risk of DVT, including:

Age: People over 60 are at greater risk.
Recent major surgery: Anyone who has an operation that requires him to be in bed for a long period or seriously limits his activity is at high risk for DVT.
Poor circulation: Lack of adequate circulation in the deep veins can lead to a blood clot.
Obesity: Being significantly overweight affects your circulation and your activity levels.
Long airline flights: Having to sit in one position during a long flight can bring on a DVT.
Infections
Pregnancy
Oral contraceptives
Smoking
Some types of cancer

Symptoms of a Blood Clot

DVT may occur without obvious symptoms, but there are some signs that you should know. Especially if you have one of the above risk factors, such as a recent surgery or long plane trip, you should contact your doctor if you notice:

Pain, tenderness or sudden swelling in one leg
Discolored or visibly large veins
Skin that is warm to the touch

Get medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:

Sharp chest pain
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Rapid pulse
Coughing up blood
Dizziness or fainting

Preventing Blood Clots

DVT is treatable with one of two different types of medication: anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs) and thrombolytics (which dissolve clots). DVT can also be treated with surgery. However, each treatment comes with its own side effects and risks. People at high risk for DVT should consider taking preventive measures in order to keep from developing clots in the first place.

One way to prevent DVT is simply to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adopt a program of regular physical activity and a healthy diet. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will benefit your health in many ways in addition to the preventive benefits for DVT.

If you smoke, quit. Avoid secondhand smoke. Also try to avoid extended periods of airplane travel. If you must take a long flight, ask your healthcare provider for some exercises you can do in your seat that may reduce your risk. Just standing up and stretching every so often and "pumping" your ankles vigorously can help.

If you are planning surgery or an extended hospital stay, ask your physician about appropriate precautions. He may prescribe anticoagulant medications for a few days after surgery as well as recommending exercises you can do in bed or while sitting. Many patients also wear TED stockings for several days to as long as several weeks after surgery to help stimulate circulation and prevent blood pooling. (TED is a trade name for anti-embolism stockings, but the names "TED hose," "TED stockings," or just "TEDs" have become common nicknames for all brands of these medical garments.)

DVT can be hard to pinpoint, as it can develop almost without warning. Knowing whether you are more at risk allows you to educate yourself on what to look for. With a little extra vigilance, you can reduce your chance of developing a life-threatening blood clot.

The copyright of the article How to Prevent Blood Clots in General Medicine is owned by Robin Mayhall. Permission to republish How to Prevent Blood Clots in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.