Prevent Blood Clots

Blood clots can be serious and have life-altering consequences. The good news is that blood clots can also often be prevented.

The most important things you can do to prevent blood clots are:
  • Know your risk for blood clots
  • Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots
  • If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of blood clots, contact your doctor as soon as possible, or go to the nearest hospital
  • If you have had a blood clot and are receiving treatment, take your medication as prescribed
  • Engage in regular follow-up appointments with your medical team, and stay in communication with your doctor about any questions or concerns that you may have
Some additional ways to help prevent blood clots:
  • Tell your doctors if you have any risk factors for blood clots, including a family history of blood clots
  • Talk to your relatives about your family’s history of blood clots
  • Before any surgery or procedures, talk with your doctors about blood clots
  • If you are confined to a bed either in a hospital or at home due to surgery, illness or injury, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent blood clots
  • Get up and move if you have been sitting for long periods of time due to working at a desk, or traveling by plane, train or car (stand up, walk around and/or stretch your legs every two to three hours)
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Don’t smoke or take steps to quit smoking