Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your legs. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications like a pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to your lungs.
While DVT can affect anyone, certain factors, such as having venous insufficiency, may increase your risk. Unfortunately, DVTs are common. They’re the third most common vascular disease — right after heart attack and strokes.
With these statistics in mind, it’s natural to wonder how to avoid developing a deep vein thrombosis. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do, including learning what your risk factors are and how to mitigate them.
Here are five key risk factors to be aware of, courtesy of our providers at Vascular Specialists in Tinley Park, Illinois, and Munster, Indiana.
Sitting or lying down for long periods slows down your blood flow, and that can increase the likelihood of clot formation. Common situations that contribute to this include:
If you find yourself in these situations, try to stay as active as possible. Stretch your legs, and take breaks to walk if you’re sitting for long periods. Even small exercises, like seated calf raises while on an airplane, can help.
Your Vascular Specialists provider may also recommend wearing compression stockings while traveling. If so, wear them as directed.
Major surgeries — especially those involving the hips, knees, or abdomen — can damage blood vessels and increase clotting risk. Injuries like fractures or muscle trauma can also trigger clot formation.
If you have an upcoming surgery, you can do several things to reduce your risk of developing a post-op DVT. Follow post-surgical movement guidelines, wear compression stockings, and take prescribed blood thinners if recommended.
Pregnancy increases your blood volume by a whopping 50%. While that’s necessary to support your growing baby, it also places extra pressure on your veins, particularly in the legs.
Hormonal changes from birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also raise clotting risks.
You might not be able to avoid hormonal fluctuations, but you can focus on any modifiable risk factors you have. Getting regular exercise, especially walking, is great for expectant moms’ circulation.
Some health conditions can make you more prone to clotting, including:
If you know you have one of these medical conditions, talk to your Vascular Specialists provider. Staying on top of your treatment plan can help mitigate your risks. For example, treating varicose veins can help reduce your risk of varicose vein-related DVT.
As you age, circulation slows, increasing the risk of clot formation. Additional lifestyle factors that contribute to DVT risk include obesity, smoking, and dehydration.
While you can’t change certain risk factors, like aging, you can influence modifiable risk factors like your weight and hydration status. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper hydration can help reduce your risks of DVT.
DVT can be life-threatening if a blood clot breaks free and travels to your lungs. Seek immediate medical help if you have a DVT and you experience:
Doctors typically treat DVTs with blood thinners to prevent clot growth, compression therapy to improve circulation, and, in severe cases, clot-dissolving medications or surgical interventions like thrombectomy. Our team also offers the groundbreaking treatment ClotTriever®.
If you’re concerned about DVT — whether you’re experiencing symptoms or you just want to reduce your risks — our team specializes in diagnosing and treating DVTs while also identifying any underlying risk factors like varicose veins and venous insufficiency. We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your vascular health and create a personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend compression stockings to improve circulation, VenaSeal® to close malfunctioning veins, or treatments like sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation to treat varicose veins and reduce DVT risk.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that not only treats DVT, but also helps prevent future complications. Questions? Give us a call at 815-824-4406 or schedule a consultation online today to meet with a member of our team.
