5 Effective Ways to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Deep vein thrombosis is a health condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in a leg. It could be the most serious health risk you’ve ever heard of. 

Those blood clots can break off and enter your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism and it can be fatal. Situations that can contribute to clot formation and run from the commonplace, such as prolonged bed rest after surgery and long airplane flights to the less-common, such as pregnancy and genetic blood diseases. If you are obese or a smoker, you have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately, there are some effective steps you can take to minimize your risk.

1. Give up smoking 

There is another good reason to give up smoking: smoking cigarettes impacts blood clotting and circulation which can raise your risk of deep vein thrombosis. In fact, this is one of the biggest risk factors for DVT.  

2. If you’re pregnant, stay physically active 

You possibly know that pregnancy can cause certain changes in your body. And reduced blood flow is one of those changes which can make your blood more likely to clot. For instance, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis. 

This is the reason why the risk of blood clotting doesn’t go down until women have recovered from childbirth for at least six weeks. So, it’s essential to stay physically active throughout the pregnancy to keep your blood flowing.

Pregnant women are more prone to develop deep vein thrombosis in their left leg. Experts suggest that’s due to the fact that the left iliac or pelvic vein is often already compressed a bit by a large artery that naturally travels over the top of the vein. And the weight of the uterus further compresses the vein. 

Sleeping on your left side may boost your blood circulation. It’s best to avoid sleeping on your back. You should also elevate your legs at the end of the day and get a good pair of compression stockings if you get any swelling or varicose veins.

3. Keep your body hydrated 

Dehydration is a big risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to your water intake. Proper hydration reduces the viscosity of blood, while dehydration thickens blood which makes you more prone to develop blood clots. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, since they have diuretic effects and thus raise your risk of dehydration. 

4. Maintain a healthy weight 

Obesity is another modifiable risk factor. Having extra pounds increases the pressure in the veins in your legs. Plus, increased pressure on the large veins in the pelvis from internal fat slows your blood flow. 

The higher your BMI, the higher your risk of deep vein thrombosis. So the incidence is mildly elevated in people with a BMI greater than 25. Obese people should aim to get their body weight into a normal range to decrease their risk of deep vein thrombosis and other health issues. If you have severe obesity, talk to a weight loss surgeon about surgical weight-loss options. 

5. Try wearing compression stockings

If you already have an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis, consider talking to your healthcare provider about using compression stockings. They work by putting pressure on your calves to encourage blood circulation. Try wearing them as much as possible. 

If you’re going to be on your feet for long periods of time or if you’re going to be taking long plane trips, these would be the times to wear them.