Prevent deep vein thrombosis with 7 simple steps anyone can do
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg… which can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
When you have deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a vein can break off. Small pieces of the clot travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting, and can be life-threatening.
Situations that can lead to blood clots range from the common (such as prolonged bed rest after surgery, taking long flights), to less common situations (such as pregnancy and hereditary blood clotting disorders)… If you are obese or a smoker, your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis increases.
The following simple steps can minimize this risk:
1. Avoid sitting for long periods of time when traveling to help reduce deep vein thrombosis
Regardless of your mode of transportation, it's important to get up and stretch every now and then when taking a long trip.
Dr. Andrea Obi, University of Michigan Health System (USA) explains: Blood accumulates in the limbs when immobilized, which can increase the risk of blood clots, especially for flights longer than 8 hours and with fixed joints (casts or splints).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that when on a long-haul flight, stand up and walk around the aisles frequently. While sitting, flex your calves and ankles frequently.
If you are traveling a long distance by car, every 60 to 90 minutes, stop and walk for a short distance. This will stimulate the leg muscles and help the blood circulate, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots and blood clots. Since deep vein thrombosis can happen to anyone, stopping to stretch your legs is good even for people who have never had a blood clot.
The same is true even when you are not traveling. Experts recommend avoiding sitting for long periods of time in your daily life. Get up and stretch periodically while working or watching TV.
2. Stay hydrated to reduce the risk of blood clots
Dehydration is also a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, so be sure to pay attention to your daily water intake. Staying hydrated is important because it reduces blood viscosity, says Dr. Obi. When you are dehydrated, your blood can thicken, which can lead to clotting.
Remember that alcohol and large amounts of caffeinated beverages are diuretics that can increase the risk of dehydration.
3. Consider using compression stockings to stimulate circulation
For people who are already at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis, talk to your doctor about using compression stockings. These stockings apply pressure to the calves, stimulating blood flow.
Compression stockings come in all shapes, sizes, and pressures. Patients should use whatever level of compression they can tolerate (find what works for them). Stockings should be worn as much as possible. Some patients may need to wear stockings every day.
If you plan on walking for long periods of time or are about to take long plane trips, you should wear these socks, especially if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or high blood pressure.
4. Quit smoking to reduce your risk of chronic diseases
If you smoke, quit, and if you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, increasing your risk of deep vein thrombosis, the CDC notes.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of many diseases, including DVT.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases pressure in the veins in your legs, another risk factor for deep vein thrombosis that can be corrected, according to the CDC.
Increased pressure slows blood flow, and the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases with BMI, says Dr. Obi. The risk increases slightly in people with a BMI greater than 25. The risk triples in people with a BMI greater than 35.
Therefore, people who are overweight or obese should aim to bring their body weight down to a normal level, to reduce their risk of deep vein thrombosis and other health problems. Any weight loss can reduce the risk of blood clots.
6. Continue taking medication while on vacation
For vacations away from home, make sure you don't stop taking your medications. If your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin or other blood thinners every day to prevent blood clots, take them as directed no matter where you are or what you're doing.
If you have trouble remembering, set an alarm on your smartphone to remind you to take your medication regularly.
7. If you're pregnant, keep moving to improve blood flow.
For pregnant women, certain changes occur in the body that reduce blood flow and make blood more likely to clot. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk of blood clots does not decrease until a woman has been recovering from childbirth for at least six weeks, says Dr. Obi.
One study found that pregnant women are five times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis than women who are not pregnant. So as your belly gets bigger, you may feel like slowing down, but it's important to keep moving to keep your blood flowing.
Dr. Obi also notes that pregnant women are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis in the left leg. The extra weight of the uterus puts further pressure on the veins. So sleep on your left side to improve circulation and avoid sleeping on your back. Elevate your legs at the end of the day and invest in a good pair of compression stockings if you have swelling or varicose veins.