Blood Clot Prevention: What You Can Do Today

Blood clots can be dangerous, but you don’t have to feel helpless. Knowing your risk and taking simple, daily actions cuts that risk a lot. This guide gives clear, practical steps you can use right away—no medical degree required.

Simple daily steps that help

Move often. Sitting for long periods—on a flight, at a desk, or in a car—slows blood flow in your legs. Stand, stretch, or walk for five minutes every hour. If you must sit for a long trip, flex your ankles and knees every 20–30 minutes.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration thickens blood and raises clot risk. Drink water throughout the day and avoid too much alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Keep a healthy weight and stay active. Regular exercise improves circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days—brisk walking, cycling, or even steady housework helps.

Quit smoking. Tobacco makes blood stickier and damages vessel lining. Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement or support programs if you want to stop.

Manage chronic conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol raise clot risk. Follow your doctor’s plan, take meds as prescribed, and get regular checkups.

When medication or extra steps are needed

After surgery, during long hospital stays, or if you have a history of clots, doctors often prescribe blood thinners (anticoagulants). Common options include warfarin and newer direct oral anticoagulants like apixaban or rivaroxaban. These cut clot risk but raise bleeding risk, so follow dosing and testing instructions closely.

Compression stockings help if you have swollen legs or travel often. They squeeze the legs to keep blood moving. Use the right size and follow wear-time advice from a clinician.

Be cautious with hormone treatments. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can increase clot risk for some people. Discuss alternatives or extra monitoring if you have other risk factors.

Know the signs. A painful, swollen, warm, or red leg can be a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or coughing blood need immediate emergency care—these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism.

Before traveling or surgery, review your risk. Ask your healthcare provider if you need blood thinners, compression stockings, or special precautions. Never stop prescribed anticoagulants without medical advice—abruptly stopping can be dangerous.

Small changes add up. Walking more, drinking water, managing health conditions, and following medical advice are the simplest, most effective steps to prevent clots. If you have questions about medicines or supplies, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare team—they can give practical, personalized help.