Table of Contents

I. Why Do Blood Clots Occur?

II. Symptoms of a Blood Clot

III. Tips for Preventing a Blood Clot

IV. Working With Your Doctor

V. FAQ: How Can I Lower My Risk of Blood Clots in Everyday Life?

Why Do Blood Clots Occur?

Blood clots are a natural part of the healing process. When you are injured, platelets, proteins, and other blood cells stick together to form a clot that helps stop bleeding. After the injury heals, the body usually dissolves the clot. However, clots can also form where they should not and block blood flow to important organs. [1] For example, when plaque in an artery ruptures, a blood clot can form and block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. [2]

If you are at risk of developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner to help prevent new clots from forming or keep existing clots from getting bigger. [3] Examples of anticoagulants include Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Coumadin (warfarin), or Eliquis (apixaban) . [4] Talk to your doctor about your individual blood clot risk. Factors that can increase the risk of blood clots include: 

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Serious injuries or trauma
• Certain surgeries
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Staying in one position for a long time, such as during a hospital stay or long trip [5]

There are several steps you can take to help lower your risk of blood clots, including staying physically active, taking movement breaks during long periods of sitting, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and following your doctor's instructions if blood thinners are prescribed. [1] Read on to learn more about blood clot symptoms and prevention. 

Symptoms of a Blood Clot

Before getting into blood clot prevention tips, it is important to know how to identify a blood clot. Blood clot symptoms can vary depending on where the clot is located, and some people may not experience noticeable symptoms. [1] 

Possible symptoms of a blood clot in an arm or leg include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Warmth or redness [1]

Possible symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs, include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially with breathing
• Coughing or coughing up blood
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Sweating [6]

Tips for Preventing a Blood Clot

Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings may help improve blood flow in the legs and arms and can be recommended as a way to help prevent blood clots. [1] They may also be used after surgery or during long flights as a blood clot prevention measure. [5] Talk to your doctor about whether compression stockings are appropriate for you.

Sitting Right and Protecting Your Legs

Long periods of immobility can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because reduced movement can slow blood flow. [7] To help reduce your risk, move your body regularly during long periods of sitting or travel. If possible, get up and move around every two to three hours during extended periods of sitting. [1] 

Leg Elevation and Sleeping Position

Certain sleeping positions may restrict blood flow and contribute to venous compression, particularly positions such as crossing your legs or curling tightly. To support circulation while sleeping, consider keeping your legs uncrossed and slightly elevating them. Leg elevation may encourage venous return and reduce pressure in the legs. [8]

Eating to Prevent Blood Clots

Eating a healthy diet may help lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially when combined with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. A diet that is lower in fat and higher in fiber may also help reduce DVT risk. [9]

Eating more fruits and vegetables may also help. One study found that people who ate about five servings of fruits and vegetables each day had a lower risk of blood clots than those who ate fewer than 2.5 servings per day. [9]

Staying Active

Staying active can help lower your risk of blood clots because exercise helps keep your blood flowing. [1] Regular exercise, along with maintaining a healthy weight, may also help reduce the risk of DVT. [9] If you sit for long periods, try to get up and move around every two to three hours. [1]

Working With Your Doctor

If you have factors that increase your risk of blood clots, talk to your doctor about ways to lower that risk. Long periods of sitting or limited movement can increase your risk because they reduce blood flow. Age can also increase the risk of blood clots, especially in adults over 60. [1]

Some people at high risk may need blood thinners to help prevent blood clots. [5] Anticoagulants such as include Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Coumadin (warfarin), or Eliquis (apixaban) can help prevent new clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting bigger. [4] Talk to your doctor about your individual risk and whether treatment is right for you.

FAQ: How Can I Lower My Risk of Blood Clots in Everyday Life?

To lower your risk of blood clots, focus on keeping your blood moving, managing risk factors you can control, and following your doctor’s advice if you are at higher risk. Regular physical activity, movement breaks during long periods of sitting, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and taking prescribed blood thinners exactly as directed can all help reduce clot risk.

Prevention is especially important during situations that slow blood flow, such as long trips, hospital stays, recovery after surgery, or extended periods of sitting. If you have risk factors such as pregnancy, obesity, smoking, recent surgery, or a history of limited movement, ask your doctor whether you need extra prevention steps, such as compression stockings or medication.

To help prevent blood clots:

1. Get up and move around every two to three hours during long periods of sitting or travel.
2. Move your legs regularly if you cannot walk around.
3. Ask your doctor whether compression stockings are appropriate for you.
4. Stay physically active as part of your regular routine.
5. Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions if you are prescribed a blood thinner.
7. Seek medical care if you notice symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, dizziness, or sweating.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.