Blood clots occur in people who are inactive for long periods, cannot move around well or have recently had surgery or an injury. Obesity, heart trouble or varicose veins increase the risk of blood clots, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Blood clots can interfere with blood flow to the heart. They also can break off, travel through the veins and cut off blood supply to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, which may lead to low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Blood clots are preventable for people at risk.
Function
Physical activity helps prevent blood clotting. People sitting for long periods of time need to shift positions or stretch the legs occasionally to prevent blood from pooling, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Blood clots usually occur in the calves or thighs. Standing for long periods may also cause blood to pool in the legs and encourage clotting. Sitting down or moving around at times helps.
Considerations
Raising the legs six inches above the heart whenever possible keeps blood from flowing to the legs. People at risk can raise the bottom of their bed four to six inches with blocks or books under the bedposts, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality explains. Compression stockings put pressure on the legs to keep blood from pooling and clotting. The stockings go up to the knee and can be purchased at medical supply stores.
Travel Effects
Traveling in a car, train or plane can result in inactivity for several hours. Travelers should move around whenever possible, stopping the car for breaks or walking up and down the aisle in trains or planes. Leg exercise in the seat can be done by bending the toes toward the knees and relaxing them several times or lifting the heels and pressing down on the toes to contract leg muscles, UAB Medicine explains. Wearing compression stockings may also help during long trips.
Medication
Heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting, is a standard treatment for patients with blood clots. In some cases, people at risk for clotting can get preventive injections of heparin before going on long flights.
Promise
Statins, drugs normally used to lower cholesterol, show promise for preventing blood clots, Medical News Today notes. Research reported at the American College of Chest Physicians scientific assembly in 2008 reveals a significant reduction in blood clotting and pulmonary embolism in patients with breast, lung, colon and other cancers through the use of statins. Researchers studied patients undergoing treatment at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa. They found that eight percent of patients receiving statins developed blood clots and pulmonary embolism, while 21 percent of patients not receiving statins developed the disorders.
