How to Prevent Blood Clots

Clumps or clots of red blood cells can form in veins when the legs are not active for long periods of time.

Blood clots kill at least 100,000 Americans each year. Oftentimes, clots occur during long periods of sitting that typically accompany travel. They can also occur from lack of mobility, pregnancy, injuries, smoking and other factors that limit circulation. A blood clot is medically known as deep-vein thrombosis or DVT. The signs and symptoms of DVT are not always obvious and have the potential to occur more often in certain people who are at increased risk due to age, health status and other factors. Since blood clots harm and kill so many people-here are steps to understanding some basic issues with DVT in order to try and prevent clots from occurring-and what to do if they do occur.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A complete physical exam and review of any medical conditions and medications

1. DVT occurs more often in people over 60. However, anyone with a lack of or restrained mobility may be prone. If you are concerned about potential DVT development you should do a self-assessment of certain risk factors that include:

   Planning minor surgery in the near future
   Had major surgery within the last month
   Varicose veins
   A history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (for example, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
   Swollen legs
   Obesity
   Currently on bed rest or restricted mobility

2. Always pay attention to any pain, numbness or throbbing in your legs. Examine your legs to see if there is any swelling or color changes such as redness or a bluish tinge. Never ignore leg problems, especially if you are immobile due to traveling, illness or other conditions.

3. Never sit or be totally immobile for any length of time unless a doctor puts you on complete bed rest. Even then, make sure the physician or nurse considers prescribing physical therapy (home visits are possible!) to help you keep the blood in your legs flowing and from pooling which can result in a clot.

4. Keep moving. Get up and walk around at least every hour or two in a constrained place such as an airplane, train or automobile. Do not just sit out the entire duration of a trip lasting longer than an hour or more.

Tips & Warnings

• Never ignore leg pain, changes in leg color or numbness

• Never assume you are "immune" to leg clots since you are younger than 50, exercise regularly or feel you are not at risk.

• As with any other medical advice on the Internet, always consult your nurse practitioner or physcian before implementing any new health care advice.

Resources

• Deep-Vein Thrombosis