Ways To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is caused by the formation of blood clot in the deep veins of the body. DVT occurs most often in the leg. It can partially or completely block blood flow back to the heart and damage the one-way valves in your veins. It can also break free and travel to major organs, such as your lungs, which can be very dangerous and may lead to serious health complications. Some of the symptoms of DVT are:

• Swelling, usually in one leg

• Leg pain or tenderness

• Reddish or bluish skin discoloration

• Leg warm to touch

• Ways to prevent DVT

Ways To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT)

Exercising regularly

• Exercising regularly can help engage your calf muscles, squeezing veins and propelling blood upward. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are all great activities. Exercise will also help you manage your weight, along with eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.

quit smoking

•  Quit smoking:  Smoking raises your risk of clots because it negatively impacts blood circulation.

Leg exercises

• Do heel toe exercises or circle your feet if you cannot move around.

• During long trips, it may help to walk up and down the aisles of the bus, train, or airplane. stop about every hour and walk around. Move your legs and flex and stretch your feet to improve blood flow in your calves. Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol. If you’re concerned about DVT, talk to your doctor before traveling. He or she will help you find any potential issues and may recommend blood thinning medications or compression stockings depending on your travel plans.

• Talk to your doctor about your risk of clotting when you take hormones, whether for birth control or hormone replacement therapy, or during and right after any pregnancy.

• If you are hospitalized for some reason, ask your doctors and nurses to make sure you are receiving measures such as wearing compression stockings , medication and leg exercises—to prevent blood clots. Make sure your family members or caregivers are educated of the possibility of blood clots so they can ask for this care in the event you are unable to communicate or you forget.

If you’ve had DVT or PE before, you can help prevent future blood clots by following the steps above and doing the following:

• Take all medications that your doctor prescribes to prevent or treat blood clots.
• Follow up with your doctor for tests and treatment.
• Follow-up with your doctor if recommended to evaluate your risk and follow your doctor’s recommendations for reducing your risk.
• Use compression stockings as your doctor directs to prevent leg swelling.