Prevent Blood Clots

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Prevent Blood Clots

Last updated: July 13, 2022

Blood clots can often be prevented. The best ways to prevent blood clots include:

Know your risk for blood clots.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Tell your doctor if you have risk factors for blood clots.
Before any surgery, talk with your doctor about blood clots.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you do have any symptoms of a blood clot. Blood clots can be safely treated.

Other steps you can take to reduce your risk for blood clots:

It’s important to know your family history. Tell your doctor and other family members if you learn that there is a history of blood clots among your relatives.
If you have to be confined to a bed in a hospital or at home following surgery or due to illness or paralysis, ask your doctor what options exist to prevent blood clots.
Get up and move if you’ve been sitting for a long time or traveling for a long time by plane, train, or car. Stand up, walk around, and stretch your legs every two to three hours.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise as directed by your doctor.
Don’t smoke/vape or take steps to quit smoking/vaping.

Learn More

The most important thing you can do to prevent blood clots is to learn if you are at risk. Learn more about blood clot risks here: Know Your Risk

There are several important signs and symptoms of blood clots: Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots

Connect with others who have experienced a blood clot here: Patient Stories

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♀️ In recognition of Women’s Health Month, w

♀️ In recognition of Women’s Health Month, we’re unpacking the blood clot risks that women face throughout their lives during our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Women not only have certain risk factors, they also experience unpleasant side-effects of anticoagulants that may include heavy menstrual bleeding.

But as Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist at the University of Utah and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT), explains in this clip from a previous PEP Talk, heavy bleeding on blood thinners can be remedied.

Other topics will include contraceptive choices; medical gaslighting of women in healthcare settings; managing mental health after diagnosis; whether hormone replacement therapy is safe for individuals with a history of blood clots, and much more.

In today’s environment, where women’s health rights are under increased scrutiny, it’s crucial that we all understand how to protect ourselves and make empowered decisions about our health.

We hope you’ll join us! Register: bit.ly/May2025PEPTalk (🔗 in bio)

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #peptalk #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotawareness #womenandbloodclots #pregnancy #birthcontrol #estrogen #menopause #bloodclotprevention #womenshealthmonth #peptalk #VTE #PE #DVT #thrombosis #postpartum

For Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), we

For Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), we’re honored to share Jennifer’s story of survival.

After giving birth via C-section, Jennifer faced life-threatening complications—including a severe infection and a pulmonary embolism. More than a decade later, a second blood clot after knee surgery tested her strength once again.

Black women face a higher risk of maternal complications, including blood clots—one of the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S.

Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the urgent need to address inequities in maternal health.

🔗 Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week at the link in bio.

@blackmamasmatter #StopTheClot #BloodClots #BMHW25 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #BirthJustice #BirthEquity

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week (April 11

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), a new National Institutes of Health study confirms what many already know: maternal mortality is rising—and Black women continue to be among the hardest hit.

From 2018 to 2022, maternal deaths in the U.S. rose by 27%. Black women remain nearly 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes — including blood clots — than white women. And now, the very agencies tasked with saving lives are facing devastating cuts.

Just last week, key CDC staff working on maternal and child health were placed on leave. Funding for critical research—especially in Black communities—has been rescinded. This is happening while maternal deaths are increasing and racial disparities persist.

This is not the time to pull back. It's the time to invest.

Black lives matter. Black mamas matter. Maternal health is public health.

@blackmamasmatter

Read more at the 🔗in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BMHW25 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #BirthJustice #BirthEquity #BlackMaternalHealth #CDC

💔Brenda experienced classic symptoms of a DVT a

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🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFatality #FatalPE

CALLING ALL CYCLISTS — Are you ready to experien

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Ready to ride? Apply now at the link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #Thrombosis #BloodClotSurvivor #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #NYCBikeTour #CyclingNYC #BikeNYC #BikeForACause #CharityRide #PreventBloodClots #TeamStopTheClot

During our Capitol Hill Day last month, more than

During our Capitol Hill Day last month, more than 50 blood clot awareness advocates made an impact on Capitol Hill as we urged Congress to designate funding through the CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics for a national blood clot education and awareness campaign, and another 600+ advocates sent in letters to lawmakers urging their support of this funding.

⚠️On April 1, nearly all staffers at the CDC Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics -- which works with states, patients, providers, and organizations like NBCA to reduce the impact of serious blood disorders, including blood clots -- were placed on administrative leave amid the mass layoffs and restructuring at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), effectively dismantling this critical division.

These cuts threaten vital data collection, research, education, and safety programs that the blood clot community relies on.

📢 The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) stands with the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and nearly 100 other organizations in a letter sent to HHS this week calling for the immediate reinstatement of the CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics.

We can’t lose the progress we’ve made!

Read more at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #Fight4Hemtaology #Hematology #BloodClots #BloodClotFunding #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotAwarenessFunding #TakeAction

🎉 We’ve got something to celebrate! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to our collective voices, 6 cities, 17 states — and even the U.S. Senate — officially recognized March 2025 as Blood Clot Awareness Month! This national recognition is a significant step forward in educating the public about the risks, signs, and prevention of blood clots.

A heartfelt thank you to our unstoppable community of advocates who stepped up when we asked them to ‘Do Your Part to Stop the Clot’ in March, making this nationwide recognition possible. Your passion is driving real change and spreading life-saving awareness across the country.

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🔗See how we made an impact from coast to coast at the link in bio.

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In this clip, Dr. Rushad Patell from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shares insights from his research showing a potential link between GLP-1 medications and reduced blood clot risk.

Catch the full recording—and explore past PEP Talks—at the link in bio.

Mark your calendar: Our next PEP Talk is on May 13 at 7 p.m. and will focus on women and blood clots. Don’t miss it! Register: bit.ly/May2025PEPTalk

(Please note: PEP Talks are for educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.)

@bidmchealth #StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #GLP1 #GLP1Community #GLP1WeightLoss #GLP1Journey #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotWebinar

Corena’s journey with blood clots began when her

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➡️Swipe through to read Corena's story.

🗣️If you experienced a blood clot, what were your initial signs? Tell us in the comments.

🔗Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #Pregnancy #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor #PregnancyComplications #WomensHealth #SelfAdvocacy

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our April PEP Talk on weight, b

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👉 Learn more about how to protect yourself and your baby from these dangerous blood clots at the link in bio.

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Paul was just 19 when he died suddenly from a pulm

Paul was just 19 when he died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism. His only symptom—shortness of breath—was mistaken for asthma. Now, his family shares Paul’s story to raise awareness and help others recognize the signs. Blood clots can happen to anyone, at any age. Know the symptoms.

Swipe through to read Paul's story.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE Fatality #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClots

Blood clots can be life-changing, but you’re not

Blood clots can be life-changing, but you’re not alone. Our monthly newsletter delivers the latest community and treatment updates, patient-centered research, survivor stories, and expert resources to help you take charge of your health.

Join a growing community of survivors and advocates dedicated to raising awareness and supporting each other. Knowledge is power—subscribe today at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #newsletter #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotnews #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotpatients #bloodclotsurvivors

Did you know that during an emergency, there is an

Did you know that during an emergency, there is an easy way to communicate that you have a history of blood clots and take blood thinners?

The American College of Emergency Physicians advises people to wear medical ID jewelry if they have experienced blood clots, or if they take blood thinners, which can pose bleeding risks.

Many online sellers offer customizable medical ID bracelets, silicone wristbands and necklaces. The alert should include your major medical conditions, such as a history of pulmonary emboli (PE), medications you’re currently taking, such as an anticoagulant, and the name and phone number of an emergency contact.

Do you wear medical ID jewelry? Show us a photo or tell us in the comments!

#stoptheclot #medicalidbracelet #medicalidband#medicalidband #medicalalertjewelry #bloodclotrecovery #bloodclotsurvivor #anticoagulants #bloodthinners

While on a business trip in a different country, N

While on a business trip in a different country, Nina suddenly felt chest pain, dizziness, and trouble breathing. She was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism.

Her recovery led her to a new purpose—helping bring medicines to patients faster and raising awareness as an NBCA Thrombassador. Her advice is to know the signs and give yourself time to heal.

More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor #DVT #International #PE #Thrombassador #Travel #SafeTravel

Age is not just a number—it's a significant risk

Age is not just a number—it's a significant risk factor for blood clots, a risk that escalates exponentially with each passing year.

In a recent interview with @AARP, National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) Volunteer President Leslie Lake shared her powerful story of survival after a sudden blood clot in her lungs (pulmonary embolism)—a story that highlights the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and advocacy.

“I was coming back from the dry cleaner near my apartment, coming up a little incline that I’d walked thousands of times before,” Leslie recalled. “All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. It literally felt as if someone had put their hands around my neck and squeezed all of the oxygen out of my body. I thought I was having a heart attack.”

Leslie’s terrifying journey to diagnosis took hours, and even after she was discharged, she left without any resources or clear direction on how to move forward. This information gap led her to the NBCA.

“I was given a second chance, and so I want to make sure that I can pay that forward,” she said. “I feel privileged to be in a situation now where I’m sitting here today in the hope that I’ll reach somebody and save their life.”

We are deeply grateful to AARP—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older—for amplifying this critical conversation. Every story shared has the power to save lives.

Learn more at the AARP link in bio and share with anyone you know who could be at risk.

#StoptheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #AARP #BloodClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolismStory #BloodClotSurvivor #BloodClotPatient #BloodClotAwareness @lesliellake

Obesity significantly increases the risk of blood

Obesity significantly increases the risk of blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. ET will explore the connection between body weight and blood clots, and how GLP-1 medications may help lower the risk.

Why is weight a risk factor for blood clots?

➡️ Inflammation: Obesity can lead to ongoing, low-level inflammation, which makes the blood more likely to clot.

➡️ Slower blood flow: Excess weight can put pressure on veins and slow circulation, raising the risk of clots.

➡️ More clotting proteins: People with obesity often have higher levels of proteins that help their blood clot, making clots more likely.

➡️ Metabolic issues: Conditions like type 2 diabetes, common in obesity, can further increase the clot risk.

➡️ Less movement: Limited activity, such as after surgery or long travel, can cause blood to pool in veins, increasing the chance of clots.

👉 Register for our April PEP Talk to learn more: bit.ly/April2025PEPTalk (Link in bio)

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #GLP1 #GLP1Community #GLP1WeightLoss #GLP1Journey #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotWebinar #PulmonaryEmbolism #Thrombosis #PE #DVT #KnowYourRisk

Taylor developed leg pain and a fever weeks after

Taylor developed leg pain and a fever weeks after giving birth. Initially diagnosed with sciatica, her symptoms worsened until a medication reaction led her to the ER, where tests revealed blood clots. She’s sharing her story to help others trust their instincts.

Did you ever have to advocate for yourself in a healthcare setting? Tell us about it in the comments.

More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #Pregnancy #Postpartum #CSection #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor

We’re grateful for blackdoctor.org — a compreh

We’re grateful for blackdoctor.org — a comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans — for featuring NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge).

The piece helped to drive awareness of our bus tour initiative as well as the event last Saturday at @theblvdmemphis. The article quotes Shirley Bondon, executive director of @blackclergy901, one of our Memphis bus tour partners.

“This bus tour is a significant step forward in raising awareness, and we encourage other communities to join forces with us to protect Black lives,” Bondon said.

Read the full article at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotBusTour #BlackChurchBusTour #BloodClotAwareness #Memphis #HealthEquity #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM #DVT #PE #VTE

The final stop for NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus

The final stop for NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour — Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge — was in Memphis, where we spent a day at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church educating about blood clots, performing ultrasounds to check for deep vein thrombosis, and sharing stories.

The day was especially meaningful because Mayor Paul Young proclaimed March 29 as “Stop the Clot Day” in Memphis.

We spent the past month spreading blood clot awareness through the Southern US, which is home to more than half of the Black population in the country, because Black Americans face an up to 60% higher blood clot incidence and related mortality than any other race.

As we reflect on the past month of traveling more than 1,650 miles through seven cities — Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Pensacola, FL; Memphis, TN; and Nashville, TN — we’re grateful for the tireless work of our partner organizations, the wonderful people who attended our events, the health equity advocates who welcomed us, and the media coverage the tour received.

A special shout out to NBCA Board Secretary Arshell Brooks-Harris, who lost her daughter Leschel to a pulmonary embolism, and her husband Andre, who were on the bus tour from start to finish.

Stay tuned for more information on a second bus tour coming in the next few months!

@grady.hospital
@ulgatl
@atlanta_women
@zbcmarietta
@ascension_org
@memphishealthcenter
@universalultrasound
@julie.at.uum
@theblvdmemphis
@blackckergy901
@blackclergytn

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotBusTour #BlackChurchBusTour #BloodClotAwareness #Memphis #Atlanta #Birmingham #Nashville #Pensacola #Charlotte #HealthEquity #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM #DVT #PE #VTE

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