Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in a leg. This is a potentially life-threatening condition, and yet possibly the most serious health risk you’ve never heard of. These blood clots can break off and lodge in your lungs to form a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. Situations that can lead to a clot run from the commonplace — like prolonged bed rest after surgery and long airplane flights — to the less-common, like pregnancy and genetic blood clot disorders. If you have obesity, or are a smoker, your risk of DVT increases.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss steps you can take to minimize your risk for this condition. In this article, you will learn these 13 tips which can lower your risk of DVT. If you already had a DVT, these tips can also reduce your risk of another DVT in the future.

1. Compression Stockings – When you talk to your doctor about DVT, he or she may recommend compression stockings, a special tool to help prevent clots. Compression stockings put added pressure on your legs and feet to improve circulation. They come in different sizes and levels of compression, so make sure you’re properly fitted. Your doctor can help find the right stockings for your legs.
2. Keep Moving – Regular activity is one of the best ways to prevent DVT. Exercise helps keep you at a healthy weight, boosts your circulation, improves lung function and strengthens your muscles, all of which help lower your risk. Check with your doctor about starting an exercise program that’s right for you, and when you start, go slowly, and stick with it!
3. Fly Wisely – Long flights can lead to poor circulation. Stay active in the air – get up for a brief walk every hour or so, change your sitting position often, and avoid crossing your legs to keep the blood flowing in a healthy way.
4. Take a Break – If you’re seated all day at a desk, set reminders or even alarms to get up and move around. Take a quick walk around your work area, or outside, if possible. If walking isn’t an option, schedule breaks to stand and stretch your arms, legs and feet to help keep your blood flowing.
5. Pump it up – If you’re sitting for long periods (travel, desk work, etc.) pump your feet to boost circulation. Start with both feet flat on the floor, and then lift your toes in the air for three seconds while keeping heels on the ground. Then switch:keep toes grounded and lift your heels for three seconds. An easy start is five sets of each, once for every hour you are seated.
6. Be a Smart Traveler – If you’re taking a long trip, by plane, train or automobile, dress for success. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that keeps you comfortable. Drink plenty of water along the way (not soda, alcohol or caffeine), and ask your doctor before you go if you need to plan for your medication during your trip.
7. Stop Smoking – There is no wrong time to stop smoking, and it is never too late to stop. Smoking restricts blood flow, andincreases the risk of clots. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to quit, and even if you fail the first few times, never stop quitting.
8. Do the Twist – When you’re stuck in a waiting room, or at the movies, or anywhere where you can’t get up and move about, do this simple twist. Lift your feet off the floor, and circle them to the right for fifteen seconds. Then reverse.
9. Reduce Drug Side Effects – If you’ve already had a DVT, you may be on blood thinner medication. This can put you at risk of bleeding from cuts or injuries that were no big deal in the past. Reduce your risk – switch to an electric razor instead of a blade, and be careful with knives, nail clippers and scissors. Change to waxed dental floss and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
10. Don’t Stress Out – Life after a DVT can be worrisome, so take care of your mental health, too. Remember many people who have a DVT do not have another, especially if they follow a doctor’s recommendation, and make changes to improve circulation and overall health. Talk to your doctor about deep breathing, meditation or yoga to reduce your stress level.
11. Drink Plenty of Water – Hydration is important – drinking a healthy amount of water each day helps keep blood flowing quickly and vessels open. Don’t cheat and substitute soda, coffee, alcohol or juice; stick with plain, fresh water. Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink each day, then use a special container or two to keep track of how much you drink.
12. Maintain a Healthy Weight – Being overweight or obese is another modifiable risk factor, as it increases the pressure in the veins in your legs. Additionally, increased pressure on the large veins in the pelvis from internal fat slows the flow of blood. The risk of DVT increases with body weight in a stepwise fashion. Individuals who are overweight or obese should aim to get their body weight into a normal range to reduce their risk of DVT and other health problems.
13. Keep Up with Medications when on Vacation – When you take a well-deserved vacation from work and your daily routine, make sure you don’t take a break from your medications. If your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin or other anticoagulant medicines daily to prevent a blood clot, take them as prescribed no matter where you are or what you’re doing. It may be even more important when vacationing — you could be spending more time than usual relaxing and not moving enough. If you have trouble remembering, set an alarm on your smartphone as a reminder to take your regular medications.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have deep vein thrombosis or circulation-related leg problems and would like to learn more about treatment options, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.