Preventing Blood Clots: Essential Tips for Circulatory Health

Blood clot prevention strategies focus on reducing the risk of abnormal blood clot formation to prevent serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
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Thrombosis Prevention | Vascular Health | Blood Clotting Mechanism | Circulatory System
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Blood Clot Prevention FAQ


Image credit: stoptheclot.org

How do you prevent a blood clot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you stand, stretch (feet, ankles, and legs), and move around every 2 to 3 hours if possible to prevent a clot from forming. Paying attention to your sodium level can be key in lowering your odds of a blood clot.

How do anticoagulants help prevent blood clots?

Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots. They're given to people at a high risk of getting clots, to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. A blood clot is a seal created by the blood to stop bleeding from wounds.

What should I do if I'm at a high risk of clots?

If you're at a high risk of blood clots – for example, you're in hospital – follow the advice of your care team about preventing clots. This may involve wearing stockings that improve your blood flow or taking medicine to reduce the risk of clots (anticoagulants). There are also things you can do to help avoid clots.

Can you prevent blood clots if you have no symptoms?

About half of all people with deep vein blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis, for example, have no detectable symptoms. This is why preventing blood clots comes down to more than monitoring for signs. There are active ways to reduce risk, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Can a blood clot be prevented?

Most DVTs and PEs can be prevented safely and efectively. Therefore, preventing blood clots is a priority for hospital staf. Our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other teams all play an important role in keeping you safe. On admission to hospital, each patient over 16 has their risk for VTE assessed and, if necessary, preventative measures advised.

How can I prevent blood clots during a hospital stay?

During your hospital stay, you should try to move around as much as possible. Moving your legs, even when you are lying in bed, will improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. Dehydration can also increase the risk of blood clots, so it is important to ensure good fluid intake to help prevent this.

How can I prevent a blood clot in a vein?

You can play an active part in reducing your risk of developing a blood clot in a vein. During your hospital stay, you should try to move around as much as possible. Moving your legs, even when you are lying in bed, will improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Blood Clot Prevention References

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