Blood Clots

Causes & Prevention

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Prevention; Part IV

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.

Prevention Strategies Against Blood Clots

Prevention strategies are available to everyone, but are especially important for those who are prone to having blood clots.

General Strategies

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Do not smoke.

Causes and Risk Factors for Blot Clots (Venous Thrombosis)

The tendency for blood clots can be inherited, but people without this genetic tendency are also at risk.

When a person has a blood clot, it is the result of a variety of risk factors working together – not simply their genes. Many people are not aware of the lifestyle and other nongenetic risks that increase the chance they will develop a blood clot.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.