How To Prevent Blood Clots
Blood clots can be managed with blood-thinning medications. But it’s best to take steps to prevent blood clots from forming because complications can be severe and fatal if not diagnosed early.
By controlling your risk factors you can reduce your chances of developing a blood clot.
You can help prevent blood clots if you:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, or stockings.
- Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time.
- Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them.
- Do exercises your doctor gives you.
- Change your position often, especially during a long trip.
- 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.
- Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.
It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and treatment plan for lowering your risk factors. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet high in omega-3 rich foods, fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in vitamin E may also help.
Get plenty of exercise. Immobility is a significant factor that can lead to clots forming, especially in the legs. Limit long periods of sitting during work or while traveling. Be mindful of any other conditions that may increase your risk for a blood clot, and speak to your doctor about strategies to reduce your risk.
See also Deep Vein Thrombosis.
