Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism

Know the Symptoms of DVT and PE

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Leg clot - 380,000 Per Year

• Swelling, usually in one leg or arm

• Leg pain or tenderness

• Leg warm to touch

• Bluish, purplish, or reddish discoloration of leg or arm 

Pulmonary Embolism - PE - Lung Clot  530.000 Per year

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with deep breath

• Rapid heart rate

• Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

• Sudden death

Get Medical Help Right Away!

Know the Risk Factors

• Hospitalization

• Knee or hip replacement

• Abdominal or pelvic surgery

• Major trauma: auto accident or fall

• Nursing home living

• Leg paralysis

• Older age

• Air trips over 4 hours (car, train, bus)

• Active cancer

• Chemotherapy

• Central venous line

• Pacemaker

• Bone fracture or cast

• Birth control pills, ring, patch

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Pregnancy or recently gave birth       

• Prior blood clot

• Heart failure

• Varicose veins

• Bed rest over 3 days

• Family history of clot

• Obesity

• Genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder

• Traveling long distances by plane, bus, or car;

• Dehydration (during and after a strenuous sporting event);

• Significant trauma;

• Immobilization (brace or cast);

• Bone fracture or major surgery;

• Birth control pills and patch, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy;

• Family history of DVT or PE;

• Presence of an inherited or acquired clotting disorder (factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210 mutation, antiphospholipid antibodies, and others);

• Presence of a congenital abnormality of the anatomy of the veins;

• May-Thurner syndrome (narrowing of the major left pelvic vein);

• Narrowing or absence of the inferior vena cava (the main vein in the abdomen);

• Cervical rib causing thoracic outlet obstruction

How to Prevent Blood Clots 

• Take breaks and stretch legs when traveling long distances;
• Do heel toe exercises when seated during prolonged travel; get up and walk as frequently as possible
• Drink fluids, especially during prolonged travel, preferably water
• Know the symptoms of DVT and PE and seek early medical attention if they occur;
• Know the risk factors for blood clots;
• Know whether you have a family history of blood clots;
• In case of major surgery, trauma, prolonged immobility, or when in a cast: ask your doctor whether you should receive DVT prophylaxis and, if yes, for how long.

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