Top 7 Tips for Preventing DVT
DVT, also known as deep vein thrombosis, is a condition that leads to the formation of a blood clot in your body’s deep veins. It is common for them to occur in the legs that can cause throbbing pain and discomfort. Here are some prevention tips for DVT that will reduce the risk of developing a blood clot in your deep vein. These prevention tips will not only reduce the risk of DVT but also put you on a path to a healthy lifestyle.
1. Beware of the Risk
One of the best prevention tips for DVT involves knowing about your risk. DVT can evolve in anyone, but some people are more susceptible than others. Some of the factors that can elevate the risk of DVT include surgery, obesity, varicose veins, cancer, blood clotting disorder, and trauma.
2. Maintain an Active Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can increase not just your risk of deep vein thrombosis but also many other lifestyle disorders. If you are someone with a desk job, then you must find ways to keep moving throughout the day. The rule of thumb is to take a few minutes of break after every two hours of desk work. Just go up and down the stairs or take a walk around the complex. You can also do seated exercises to stimulate the blood flow.
3. Maintain Healthy Weight
Being overweight is one of the leading causes of DVT. By reducing excess weight, you will be able to prevent the risk of DVT among many other lifestyle conditions arising out of obesity. The best way to lose weight is by dieting and exercising regularly to maintain a calorie deficit. You can also talk to your doctor to know about healthy ways to lose weight.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking can spell doom for your vascular health. If you are struggling to kick the habit, you must take help from your doctor to come up with a suitable plan that will help you quit smoking for good.
5. Exercise Regularly
By exercising every day, you will be able to increase blood circulation, supplying oxygenated blood to all parts of your body. It helps you in reducing the risk of DVT significantly. This is the reason experts recommend that you must get at least two and a half hours of moderate to vigorous exercise at least five times a week.
6. Invest in Compression Stockings
Compression garments help in preventing blood clots. However, make sure you have discussed this option with your doctor before wearing one because it can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
7. Know if You Have a Family History
DVT can be hereditary. If several close relatives in your family had blood clots, then your risk of DVT increases too. In the case of strong family history, your doctor may avoid giving you anticlotting medications or prescribe hormones.