How to Prevent Blood Clots: A Simple Guide

Blood clots present a serious health risk to about 900,000 people per year. Unfortunately, many people who suffer blood clots have no prior knowledge of their signs and symptoms. 

Although blood clots do not discriminate, there are certain risk factors that exacerbate the condition. It’s also important for the general public to be aware of blood clot signs and symptoms. Awareness and preventative measures are the best way to save a life.

To learn more about how to prevent blood clots, read the important information below.

What Is a Blood Clot?

A blood clot, medically known as a thrombus, happens with blood coagulates in the hemostasis process. Hemostasis itself is meant to be beneficial, as it intends to keep blood in the body and prevent hemorrhage. Hemostasis is an essential part of wound healing. 

The detrimental part of hemostasis is when this coagulation prevents blood from flowing past it. These clots may even move and clog up valves in the body.

Deadliest Types of Blood Clots

Not all blood clots are made equal. Blood clots that form just under the surface of the skin usually pose no risk. Blood clots in more critical areas, like the brain, lungs, abdomen, large veins, and major arteries, are much more dangerous.

Blood clots like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are common and deadly. In fact, they kill tens of thousands of Americans every year. Those who survive may be on medications like Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) for the rest of their life. 

Risk Factors for Blood Clots

Knowing the risk factors for this condition is one way to prevent them. These risk factors include:

  • Cancer
  • Obesity
  • Surgery
  • Smoking
  • COVID-19
  • Pregnancy
  • Age over 65
  • Physical trauma
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Hormonal birth control

Additionally, prolonged periods of protraction like long air travel or hospital stay can increase the risk of blood clots.

How to Prevent Blood Clots

To keep the blood pumping, blood clot prevention starts with an active lifestyle. Even walking 30 minutes a day can significantly decrease your risk of blood clots. Sedentary lifestyles allow blood to pool in the veins and encourage clotting, which exercise promotes blood circulation.

When traveling for long periods by bus, car, air, or train, you’re likely to be sedentary. Make sure to take regular breaks where you can stretch out and walk around. 

Even sleeping can present a problem. One simple thing anyone can do is to place pillows above the feet before going to sleep to promote better blood flow.

Additionally, obesity puts extra pressure on the veins, making it hard for blood to flow through, and increasing the risk of blood clots. Weight loss will help lower the risk of blood clots for these individuals.

How to Treat Blood Clots

Although we know how to prevent blood clots, they still present a risk to anyone’s health. A doctor may treat blood clots with medication, compression stockings, surgery, stents, or vena cava filters. Hopefully, by following the information above, it will never come to that. 

For more health and fitness guides like this one, take a second to browse our page. We have plenty of information about preventing blood clots and more. 

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Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
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