Blood Clot Prevention

A blood clot is a cluster of blood cells that forms inside the blood vessels of the body. Normally, blood clots help stop bleeding after injury. But sometimes, blood clots form inside your blood vessels when they shouldn’t. These blood clots can block blood flow and become dangerous.

• Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein that limits or blocks blood flow. These blood clots can break off and travel to other parts of the body. A VTE, left untreated, can become life-threatening. Types of VTE include:
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): a blood clot that develops in deep veins in the body, often in the leg or arm
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE): a blood clot that travels to the lungs and creates a blockage

Blood clots in children are uncommon, but they do happen more often in older children and adults who are in the hospital or have had surgery recently.

Call your doctor right away if you notice:

• Swelling in one leg or arm
• Pain, tenderness, or cramp-like sensations, often in the calf or when walking
• Warmth or color change (such as redness) in the skin
• A visible red streak or bulging vein (a vein that looks bigger than usual)

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department if you have:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sharp chest pain
• Coughing up blood

These can be signs of a blood clot in your lungs (a pulmonary embolism).

• Move often: Walk, move your body, or stretch, especially after surgery, recovery from an injury, prolonged bed rest, or long travel. Follow your doctor’s instructions about any limits on movement or stretching.
• Drink fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate you.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood clot risk.
• Use compression stockings or devices: Use anti-embolism (TED) stockings or compression stockings. These help increase blood flow to the deep veins in your legs. Your doctor may prescribe a compression device (such as pneumatic calf pumps) if needed.
• Take prescribed medications for prevention: If you’ve recently had a surgery, have a personal or family history of blood clots, or other medical conditions that put you at risk for blood clots, you might be prescribed a preventative medication. These medications are known as anticoagulants, or blood thinners.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications: Some medications, such as estrogen (in many types of birth control) and TPN, increase your risk of getting a blood clot. Talk to your doctor if you have any specific questions about your prescribed medications.

If your doctor says you need medicine to prevent or treat blood clots:

• Take medication exactly as directed.
• Do not skip doses
• Tell your doctor about any side effects.
• You may need blood tests to check that the medication is working.