Prevention
• Graduated compression stockings can reduce the chronic swelling that can occur after a blood clot has developed in a leg. The leg swelling is due to damage to the valves in the leg veins. Graduated compression stockings are worn on the legs from the arch of the foot to just above or below the knee. These stockings are tight at the ankle and become looser as they go up the leg. This causes a gentle compression (or pressure) up the leg. The pressure keeps blood from pooling and clotting. Graduated compression stockings can be purchased at any medical supply store, and can easily be purchased if one is going to be immobilized for any length of time, or plans on a trip which will not allow frequent walking to occur.
While compression stockings seem like a perfect solution to the treatment or prevention of blood clots, they are, at times, not convenient:
- They can be uncomfortable when worn all day.
- They can be hot.
- They may be difficult to put on, especially for older adults and overweight people.
- Prevent dehydration
Dehydration makes blood thicker; therefore, blood clots form more easily. Additionally, with moderate to severe dehydration, the reduced volume of blood due to water in the blood vessels causes the blood vessel to constrict. This constriction also increases the risk of clots forming, as blood flows slower to move through the constricted channel. Therefore, drinking adequate amounts of water is essential. A caveat to all: some liquids increase one's chances for dehydration, such as caffeinated drinks or alcohol, so these drinks should be restricted during a high risk period.
- Movement
Walking, even minimally, will squeeze the muscles in the extremities and help the blood flow back to the heart. Many airlines now provide this warning on their ticket stubs. If one can not walk, then wiggling one's toes intermittently also helps in moving the blood through the veins. After orthopedic surgery, huge compression aids are used to keep the blood flowing through the veins, which is essential when the patient is immobile. After any surgery, the patient is encouraged to get up and move as soon as possible. It is not unusual for a person who has had major surgery to be sitting in a chair the day of surgery. Bedrest is never conducive to health.
- Aspirin
Although there is no evidence the aspirin reduces the chance of clots forming via DVT; we do know that aspirin reduces clots (Remember: The first drug an Emergency Room will give you, if they suspect a heart attack, is an aspirin). Therefore, unless one has a contraindication to aspirin, this may also help if one is going through a high risk period. And, if one is taking aspirin on a daily basis, do not stop. The incidences of clots significantly increases 7 days after one suddenly stops aspirin.
- Avoid constricting socks, or crossing legs
Socks which have tight bands at the top, may constrict blood flow. Additinally, crossing one's legs (i.e. knee over opposite thigh) also increases the risk for blood clots via constriction of blood vessels.
- Limit weight gain
- Quit smoking!!!!
http://player.clipsyndicate.com
Military.com March 05, 2007
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. NIH. HHS
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/296/4/468
Journal of the American Medical Association
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/604_vein.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2004
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/106/12/1436.pdf
American Heart Association, 2002
http://www.venous-info.com/education/newpers/n02.html
American Venous Forum
http://familydoctor.org/800.xml
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/daily-aspirin-therapy/HB00073
Mayo Clinic, 2006
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