How can someone prevent blood clots?

Ways to prevent blood clots include not sitting or standing for more than an hour, wearing loose fitting clothing and wearing compression stockings when a doctor says to do so. Such actions aim to keep the blood thin and prevent too much coagulation.

To prevent blood clots:

• Ensure clothes, socks and stockings are loose fitting.
• Elevate the legs around 6 inches above the heart every so often.
• If a doctor recommends wearing prescription stockings, do so.
• If a doctor prescribes exercises, do them regularly.
• When travelling on long journeys, change position periodically.
• When sitting or standing, change stance every hour for a little while.
• Avoid injuring the legs and do not sit with them crossed.
• Consume less salt.
• Avoid placing pillows beneath the knees.
• Try elevating the bottom end of the bed by 4 to 6 inches using blocks or books.
• When a doctor prescribes blood thinning medications, take them.

It also helps to understand what places a person at higher risk of blood clots:

• Having recent surgery, bad bruises, a hip replacement or receiving cancer treatment.
• Being over the age of 65, having a stroke and being confined to a bed or chair for long periods of time.
• Taking hormonal birth control and being obese.
• Heart problems, varicose veins, previous history of blood clots and family members having blood clots.
• Going on a long journey that requires a lot of sitting, especially plane journeys.