1. Avoid Clotting Risk Factors
Certain diseases, surgeries and blood vessel conditions can increase the risk of blood clots developing in your veins and arteries. If your blood platelets start sticking together, forming little balls of jelly-like blood, they can roam around your body, getting into your lungs or becoming lodged in your blood vessels, and sometimes prevent your body from getting enough blood supply to the heart or brain. The serious consequences of blood clots include stroke and even premature death.
One way to avoid the development of blood clots is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Specifically, this means giving up smoking, getting regular exercise, losing excess weight and maintaining your blood pressure.
2. Get Moving
Clots have an easier time forming when you are stationary. Try to keep your blood flow moving. When you are traveling on long plane rides, get up and walk down the aisle or to the bathroom a few times. Likewise, if you are sitting at a desk all day long, take breaks and walk around the office. While you are sitting, rotate your ankles and feet to provide better circulation and stimulation to your legs. If you are at risk for blood clots because of a recent surgery it is especially important that you start moving or walking as soon as possible.
3. Take Aspirin with a Doctor's Supervision
There are blood thinning or anticoagulant drugs on the market than can help reduce the possibility of blood clots. These include both over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and prescription drugs like warfarin. If recommended by your doctor, the regular use of a blood thinner can prevent clots from developing. You will need to be careful though, because anticoagulants can cause excessive bleeding and keep cuts or wounds from properly healing. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any bleeding problems.
