How to Prevent Blood Clots

Understanding your own health and risk factors is an important step in preventing blood clots. Learning how these factors affect you can guide the choices and actions that help lower your risk. Talk with your health-care provider about your individual risk and what steps you can take. Asking questions, exploring your options, and taking proactive steps can help you make more informed decisions about your care.

• Moving your body helps maintain healthy blood flow
• If you have reduced mobility from sitting or lying down, try exercises such as pointing and flexing your toes, rotating your ankles, and moving your arms regularly
• If you have a sedentary job or are sitting for long periods, it is important to stand up and take stretch breaks to encourage blood flow throughout your body. The same applies during long travel on an airplane or in a vehicle.
• Gentle walking or stretching can also help keep blood flowing and reduce the risk of blood clots

• Eat a balanced diet, stay active, avoid smoking, and stay hydrated
• Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of blood clots
• Drinking six to eight glasses of water every day is recommended

Talk with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy or birth control, especially if you have other risk factors.

• Some medications can help lower your risk of blood clots or treat clots that have already formed
• Always take medications exactly as prescribed by your health-care provider
• Attend follow-up doctor appointments, especially after a surgery, hospitalization or injury

Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs. This helps blood move more easily and lowers the risk of blood clots, especially during periods of reduced movement.

Both prescription and over-the-counter compression stockings are available. Talk with your health-care provider about which option is right for you.