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Prevention

Practical Steps to Lower Your Risk for a Blood Clot

Ask your doctor about need for “blood thinners” or compression stockings to prevent clots, whenever you are admitted to the hospital
Lose weight, if you are overweight
Stay active
Exercise regularly; walking is fine
Avoid long periods of staying still; move
Get up and move around at least every hour whenever you travel on a plane, train, or bus, particularly if the trip is longer than 4 hours
Point and flex your toes and make circles with your feet if you cannot move around while sitting for prolonged periods to get your blood circulating
Stop at least every two hours when you drive, and get out and move around
Drink a lot of water and wear loose fitted clothing when you travel
Talk to your doctor about your risk of clotting whenever you take hormones, whether for birth control or replacement therapy, during and right after any pregnancy, or if you take hormones related to cancer
Follow your health care providers’ instructions to keep heart failure, diabetes, or any other health conditions as stable as possible
Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots if they do reoccur so you can get help as soon as possible to prevent complications

Know the Symptoms of DVT and PE

Symptoms and Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot in Leg)

Swelling, usually in one leg
Leg pain or tenderness
Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
Leg warm to touch

The symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charlie horse,” but may also differ in that the leg may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm. Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.