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

Newly diagnosed and don't know where to begin? Here are a few things I have discovered during the recovery process that are important for healing.
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