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Prevent Blood Clots
By Deb Bloom
Blood Clot Overview Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot embedded in one of the major deep veins of the lower legs, thighs, or pelvis. A clot blocks blood circulation through these veins, which carry blood from the lower body back to the heart. The blockage can cause pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected leg.
Are you at risk for blood clots? Blood clots, also known as thrombophlebitis can form if you don't move around a lot, especially in certain instances such as recent surgery or if you have a history of blood clots. Listed below are some risk factors. Have had recent surgery.
Are 65 or older.
Take hormones, especially for birth control.
Have had cancer or are being treated for it.
Have broken a bone (hip, pelvis, or leg).
Have a bad bump or bruise.
Are obese.
Are confined to bed or a chair much of the time.
Have had a stroke or are paralyzed.
Have a special port the doctor put in your body to give you medicine.
Have varicose or bad 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.
How to prevent blood clots You can prevent blood clots from occurring or decrease the risk. 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.
Decrease or cut out 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 - 6 inches with blocks or books.
Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.
What are the symptoms of a blood clot? If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a blood clot: * New swelling in your arm or leg.
* Skin redness.
* Soreness or pain in your arm or leg.
* A warm spot on your leg.
Treatment for a blood clot?
If you have been told you have a blood clot, your doctor may give you medicine to treat it. This type of medicine is called a blood thinner (also called an anticoagulant). For the first week or so, you will probably receive heparin. This medicine is injected under the skin. You will learn how to give yourself these shots, or a family member or friend may do it for you. You will also start taking Coumadin® or warfarin pills. After about a week of taking both the shots and the pills, you will stop taking the shots. You will continue to take the Coumadin®/warfarin pills for several months. It is important to assess your risk, treat the clot if it occurs and use preventative measures to avoid re-occurrences because these blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
For more information on thrombophlebitis, go to
WebMD |
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This intel was contributed by Morganna
Morganna
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May, 2012
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