How to prevent DVT and Pulmonary Embolism?

Posted by ABC

Posted on 14th April, 2023 at 1:15:00 AM

Shoaib Padaria

MBBS. MD. DM

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the medical condition where a blood clot develops in the deep veins, commonly in the legs. This blood clot can lead to partial or complete blockage in the vein, damage the one-way valves, and prevent blood flow back to the heart. The blood clot can even break free and move to other vital body organs such as the lungs eventually leading to a life-threatening medical condition called Pulmonary Embolism. DVT is dangerous and early diagnosis is vital to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. You must always be careful about the symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance in case of any discomfort.

Common Symptoms of DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be recognized by the following common signs:

Pain and tenderness in the leg
Swelling, generally in one leg
Skin discoloration where the skin turns reddish or bluish
Leg feels warm on touch

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can be easily identified by the below-mentioned symptoms:

Rapid heart rate
Immediate shortness of breathe
Cough, occasionally with bloody mucus
Sharp pain in the chest which tends to get worse with deep breathing

Steps to Reduce the Risk of DVT

There are numerous small steps that can help reduce the likelihood of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Please make a note of the following tips:

Speak to your doctor about the need for blood-thinners
Consult your doctor about compression stockings and their recommended usage
Avoid staying in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch
Maintain a BMI between 25 to 30, and lose weight if you are overweight or obese
Make an exercise routine or go for a walk every day to stay active and boost blood circulation
Wear comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing anything that is too tight
Drink a lot of water, especially when you are traveling
Quit smoking

If you are about to take hormonal medicines whether for birth control or hormone replacement therapy, always speak to your doctor about the risk of clotting

Ensure to always take measures for self-care to prevent diabetes, blood pressure, heart failure, or other health issues.

Tips to Prevent Travel-Related DVT

Although travel-related DVT is rare in healthy people taking precautions is always good.

While undertaking long journeys in a plane, train, bus, or car, ensure to get up and move around once every hour.
If you cannot move around, remember to perform heel-toe exercises and circle your feet.
Ensure to take breaks every 2 hours if you are driving the car for journeys longer than 4 hours
Do not take sleeping pills
Do not consume alcohol during long flights
Wearing compression stockings can also help prevent DVT but it is recommended to speak to your doctor before traveling. He will also help you choose the right size and prescribe the desired usage.
If you have had DVT in the past and have been prescribed blood thinners along with other medications, there probably isn’t any risk of another DVT incident during your journey. You must, however, cross-check with your doctor to travel stress-free.

If you have a family history of DVT or have suffered from blood clots in the past, it is wise to take all necessary precautionary steps to prevent new blood clot formation that may lead to DVT or pulmonary embolism. Always maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious diet, consume your meals on time, maintain optimal levels of physical activity, and consult your doctor for any unusual symptoms that you may notice.

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How to prevent DVT and Pulmonary Embolism?