Proactive steps for preventing a blood clot

Proactive steps for preventing a blood clot

Worried about blood clots?  There are things you can do to prevent them.  Blood clots can form in any deep vein of the body. Usually they form in the legs, arms, or groin. They also more likely to occur in people who are unable to move around well or who have had a recent surgery or injury. Since blood clots are serious and can be life-threatening, it is important to know what to look for and get it treated right away.  Even more important is taking steps to prevent them to begin with.

Causes of blood clots

Blood clots can develop for several reasons; here are possible causes that can increase your chance of one developing:

·      A recent surgery

·      65 years of age or older

·      Women taking birth control pills or hormones

·      Have had cancer or are being treated for it

·      Have a broken bone (hip, pelvis, or leg)

·      Have a bad bump or bruise

·      Are obese

·      Are confined to a bed or chair much of the time

·      Have had a stroke or are paralyzed

·      Have a special port in your body to give you medicine

·      Have varicose veins

·      Have heart trouble

·      Have had a blood clot before

·      Have a family member who has had a blood clot

·      Have taken a long trip (more than an hour) in a car, airplane, bus, or train

Symptoms of a blood clot

Possible signs and symptoms can include the following list below – if you think you have a blood clot, call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away.

·      New swelling in your arm or leg

·      Skin redness or discoloration in a leg or arm not present in the other leg or arm

·      Soreness or pain in your arm or leg

·      A warm spot on your leg

A blood clot that may form in the veins of your arms, legs, or groin can break loose and move to other parts of your body, including your lungs. If a blood clot travels to your lungs it is called a pulmonary embolism.  Signs of blood clots in your lungs include the following:

·      Unexplained shortness of breath – a common warning sign a blood clot has traveled to the lungs

·      Chest pain

·      Fast heartbeat

·      Fainting spells

·      Mild fever

·      A cough, with or without blood

Be proactive to reduce your risk for blood clots

One of the most important ways to keep yourself healthy is to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot.  Anyone of us is vulnerable to developing a blood clot, but there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:

·      Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings

·      Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart several times each day

·      Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them

·      Do daily exercise such as walking or riding a bicycle

·      When traveling, change your position often.  If traveling by car, stop every 2 hours to get out and walk around and stretch. If traveling by plane or train, also get up every 2 hours to walk or stretch or while seated, perform foot circles, pointing and flexing your feet, or raising your knees towards your chest several times to aid in good blood circulation.

·      Do not stand or sit for more than 1 hour at a time

·      Eat less salt

·      Try not to bump or hurt your legs and try not to cross them

·      Do not use pillows under your knees

·      Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books

·      Stay active and move around throughout the day

·      If you smoke, quit

·      Keep your weight within a healthy body weight range for your height

·      Drink a lot of water (at least 8 cups a day) – staying hydrated can lower your risk of blood clots