You have probably heard of diseases that are silent killers. Their signs and symptoms almost go undetected until it is too late.
Studies show that 1 in every 4 Americans are unaware of blood clots. The chances are that you have a blood clot and you don’t even know it.
Deaths from blood clots in America alone are approximately 300 people daily. Therefore, this is quite alarming and of great concern. Blood clots have no specific casualties, and that puts everyone at risk.
In this regard, it is important to know how to prevent blood clots to avoid fatalities. Particularly, fatalities could be avoided when blood clots are detected early and managed.
Check out this guide to learn about tips to prevent blood clots.
Table of Contents
Lose Some Weight
Obesity leads to increased blood pressure in the abdomen. High blood pressure reduces the functionality of the calf-muscle pump. The calf-muscle pump helps to circulate blood back to the heart from the legs.
The low functionality increases the chances of a blood clot in the calf region. Thus, losing some weight reduces blood pressure in the abdomen area. The calf-muscles are then able to regain normal functionality.
Obesity also leads to inflammation. Studies have shown that obesity is highly linked with the systemic inflammatory disorder. Inflammation decreases the activities of natural anticoagulant mechanisms. Natural coagulation prevents clots formation in the blood.
As such, lower levels of the body’s natural anticoagulant increase the chances of a blood clot. With that in mind, obese people are susceptible to developing blood clots.
Exercise to Prevent Blood Clots
Blood clots sometimes form in the large veins resulting in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT develops when the blood pools during in-activity and thickens into a clot. The clot results in pain, swelling, and tenderness in the area affected.
Regular exercise helps reverse blood clot formation. The human body has a natural anti-coagulant chemical (heparin) that inhibits blood clots. When the body is inactive, there are low levels of heparin.
Regularly Exercising helps activate levels heparin in the blood. For instance, walking and cycling are good exercises to boost levels of the heparin.
Avoid Sitting Motionless for Long
Sitting motionless increases susceptibility to blood clots in the deep veins. Symptoms include swollen legs and pain (usually in the calf). This often happens after long hours of sitting while traveling.
Most cases are reported after traveling by planes or buses for long distances.
Nonetheless, you should not be afraid of traveling. There are ways to reduce the risk of blood clots while on long journeys.
For instance, you can move your legs regularly while on your seat. You can also stretch from time to time or crack your knuckles. While on a long flight, bathroom breaks are encouraged to ensure continuous blood flow.
Drink Plenty of Water
A dehydrated body makes the blood thicker. This will increase the risk of blood clots in the body.
To hydrate the body, you should take at least 6 to 8-ounce glasses of water each day. However, this may vary depending on the weather.
To ensure your body is well hydrated, check the color of your urine. For a well-hydrated body, the color should be light yellow or clear.
Reduce Fatty Foods
Fatty foods increase the risks of blood clots. Studies have shown that fatty foods are a leading cause of blood clots. Fatty foods heighten the activities of Factor VII: a protein that causes the blood to clot.
The result is a higher risk of blood clot formation. To protect yourself, always read the labels of packaged foods. Avoid products with saturated dairy or meat fats.
Use Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are designed for people prone to blood clots. They are made of elastic fabric that fits in the legs, ankles, and thighs.
They are designed to be tighter at the ankles and less tight at the thighs. This creates pressure that pushes the blood up the legs. The result is a better blood flow between the legs and the heart.
When one has optimum blood pressure, the chances of blood clots are minimal. Compression stockings are, therefore, a good recommendation to prevent blood clots.
Classification of Blood Clots
Treatment aims to ensure the clot doesn’t grow bigger or break loose. Once treated, it prevents more blood clots from developing in the future.
Treatment depends on the area of the clot and the likelihood of significant complications.
Blood clots are mainly classified as follows
Clots in ARMS or Legs
Symptoms include swelling, cramping pain, and tenderness when touched. Causes for the blood clot include age, low movements, or history of previous clots.
Clots in the Heart
A clot may flow in the bloodstream to the heart, which results in a heart attack. Heart attacks are prevalent in older people and are a leading cause of death among the elderly. Symptoms include lightheadedness and short breath
Clots in the Brain
Brain clots are the leading causes of stroke. They may be fatal and could lead to death. Symptoms are severe headache and difficulty in speech and sight.
Blood Clot in Lungs
This is a severe case of blood clotting. It causes rapid heartbeats, breathing problems, and coughing out blood.
Treatment and Medication
Treatment is based on the location of the blood clot. The first step is determining the location of the clot. This can be determined by performing an ultrasound, blood tests, venography, or MRI scans.
The main treatment methods involve the prescription of anticoagulants. These are blood thinners that help prevent the formation of blood clots. They facilitate a smooth flow of blood through the arteries and veins
One such medication is Xarelto. It is widely used by Americans as a more advanced treatment than traditional methods.
Blood clot medication generally is very expensive. However, for only $50 a month, you gain full access to your Xarelto coupon medication. This ensures you don’t pay too much for your medication.
Keep It Flowing
Blood clots are better prevented than treated. However, where treatment is necessary, there is medication to prevent further damage. Fatalities resulting from blood clots can be reduced significantly.
However, we need to understand how to prevent blood clots.
Regular checkups are also necessary. This is because some symptoms may be unnoticeable. The ultimate goal is to prevent blood clots for a healthier population. Browse our site to learn more about preventing and managing blood clots.
