Blood clots are formed due to the narrowing of blood vessels. This narrowing can occur due to an endothelial injury, the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques, or sometimes a combination of the two. As a blood vessel constricts, it is easier for blood cells to accumulate in that narrow passage and form an occlusion or clot. The goal is to keep the blood flow active so that the cells do not accumulate and a clot does not form. Here's how to prevent blood clots from forming.
Steps
Step 1. Get regular exercise
Simple activities like walking can be enough to maintain normal blood flow.
Step 2. Move your extremities
Movement prevents venous stasis and blood cell clot formation. This procedure is very important when you have to sit still for long periods of time, such as during a long trip or hospitalization.
- If you can't get up and walk, do exercises by first twirling only your toes and then moving them in sync with your heel.
- Get up and stretch your legs on a plane, train or bus at least every 4 hours if only for a walk on the aisle.
- If you are driving, stop, get out and take 4 steps at least every 2 hours.
Step 3. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can be an obstacle to normal circulation.
Step 4. Wear comfortable clothes
Clothes that are too tight can block circulation and promote clot formation.
Step 5. Lose weight if you are overweight
Step 6. Take a blood thinner
Your doctor may prescribe aspirin as a blood thinner, or some other more powerful medicine based on your level of risk.
Step 7. Put on supportive footwear
They are rather compressive shoes that help blood flow from the feet and legs to the rest of the body.
Step 8. Monitor hormonal changes
Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, or postpartum changes can increase the risk of blood clots forming. During any hormonal changes, you should be monitored by a doctor to make sure no blood clots are forming.
Advice
- If you feel swelling, pain, soreness, redness; If a bluish bruise appears on your skin or you feel a warm sensation in a limb, you may be having Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), so see a doctor as soon as possible.
- If you have shortness of breath, a painful pain in your chest, a fast heart rate, and a cough of unknown origin with expectoration of blood, you may have a pulmonary embolism. In this case, you must go to the hospital immediately. Embolism is due to the formation of a clot in the lungs and requires prompt medical intervention.