Preventing DVT at Home

Protecting Yourself Against
Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis, also called DVT, is a condition where a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs.

While anyone can develop DVT, being in the hospital can put you at an increased risk due to prolonged inactivity, like when you are on bed rest. You are still at risk once you go home, since blood clots can develop after discharge, so it’s important to understand DVT symptoms and act quickly if you think you have one.

What is DVT

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition. It occurs when a blood clot gets “stuck” in a vein and prevents your blood from flowing correctly through that vein. DVTs usually occur in the legs, but they can form in other areas of the body.

Recently hospitalized patients are at an increased risk of DVT because sitting and lying in one position for a long time gives blood a chance to pool and clot. Other conditions can also increase the risk of DVT, like:

• Having surgery, especially for a broken bone

• Being over age 40

• Obesity

• Previous DVT

• Cancer

• Congestive heart failure

• Any condition that decreases your mobility

• Having varicose veins or circulatory problems

• Being on estrogen therapy

• Recently giving birth

• Smoking

• Heart attack

• Certain medications that affect blood clotting

DVT After COVID-19

Some studies show a higher risk of blood clotting issues, including heart attack and stroke, in patients who had COVID-19 compared to people who have never had COVID-19. Newer studies suggest this elevated risk can continue for up to a year after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your cardiovascular health after COVID-19.

Man holding his leg in pain
woman's hand adding medication to pill box
couple walking in the woods with their dog

DVT symptoms

Up to 30% of people with DVT don’t experience any symptoms. Symptoms may also be very mild. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Swelling in your arm or leg (it may appear suddenly)

• Pain or tenderness in the arm or leg (this often starts in the calf)

• Heat coming from the affected area

• A change in skin coloring around the affected area (this may appear red or purple-ish)

Occasionally, DVTs can become dislodged and travel through your body. If the blood clot travels to your lungs, it can become a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). If the clot travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke. For these reasons, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away if you’ve left the hospital and think you might have DVT.

Call 911 immediately if you have:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Rapid breathing

• Fainting

• Muscle weakness on one side of your body

• Facial drooping

• Confusion

• A fast heartbeat

• Coughing up blood

DVT treatment

Patients with DVT may be treated at the hospital or allowed to treat themselves at home. Either way, the goal when treating DVT is to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to prevent it from breaking off in the vein and moving to another area of the body, like the lungs or brain.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe a medication called an anticoagulant, also called a blood thinner. This medication makes it harder for your blood to clot, stops clots from growing, and helps prevent clots from moving. Some common blood-thinning medications are warfarin, heparin, and oral Xa inhibitors. Your doctor will know the best type for you to take.

Compression Stockings

Since most DVTs develop in the legs, compression stockings or compression socks are usually recommended to help treat and prevent DVTs.

Compression stockings are elastic stockings that fit tightly around your legs. They improve circulation by pushing blood toward your heart and preventing it from pooling. They can be uncomfortable at first, but most people get used to wearing them.

IVC filter

If you are unable to take blood thinners, or if you develop DVT while taking blood thinners, then your doctor may choose to put in an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia. Your surgeon will insert an IVC filter into a large vein in your neck or groin, and then into your vena cava, the largest vein in your body. Once inserted, the IVC filter is designed to prevent large blood clots from reaching your lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism.

Preventing DVTs

Even if you haven’t had a DVT, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of one after you leave the hospital. Remember, recently released hospital patients are at an increased risk for DVT due to their lack of activity while hospitalized.

If you have had a DVT, you will need to take steps to reduce your risk of another.

Whether you’re trying to prevent a DVT or trying to reduce your risk for developing another DVT, the steps to prevention are the same:

Medication. If you are prescribed a blood thinner, take your medication exactly as your doctor says.

Follow-up. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor and labs. Check your discharge notes if you need help remembering your appointments.

Stop smoking. It’s very important to stop smoking as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Be as active as you can. Returning to your previous activity level after being in the hospital may seem daunting, but it is the best way to prevent a DVT and speed up your recovery. If you’re able, walking is an excellent way to get blood moving and prevent a DVT. If you are confined to a bed or chair, move your legs frequently to help prevent blood from pooling. Try rotating your ankles or moving your legs and feet up and down. 

Keep compressing. Continue using your compression stockings to reduce your risk of a clot.

Travel smart. Just like being confined to a bed during hospitalization, sitting for long periods when you are travelling can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. Stand up and walk around if you are on a long flight. During long car trips, get out of the car every hour or so and walk around.

Walk at work. If possible, get up and walk around for a few minutes when you’re at work. Try to do this once an hour. Many smartphones and smartwatches have reminders that prompt you to get up and move.

Travel

Take care when you travel. Sitting on a plane or in a car for a long time puts you at high risk of developing a DVT. If you must ride in a car for a long distance, stop and walk every hour. On a plane, walk up and down the aisle hourly when it is safe. Wear compression stockings and perform seated exercises to reduce your risk.

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