Prevention and Treatment of Blood Clots

Blood clots are likely something you’ve heard about before, but you may not be aware of the dangers that are associated with them. In fact, without urgent care, blood clots can even become fatal – which is why it’s so crucial to know the warning signs and seek immediate treatment upon the first signs that something may be wrong.

First, you should know that there are two different types of blood clot formation that can occur: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg or pelvis; while a pulmonary embolism, on the other hand, is when the clot breaks and travels from one area of the body up into the lungs and is considered to be a life-threatening medical emergency. However, with the proper diagnosis and treatment, deaths related to blood clots can often be avoided.

In some cases, patients may not notice any bothersome signs or symptoms that they have DVT. However, possible signs and symptoms that can occur as a result of Deep Vein Thrombosis include pain in the affected area (i.e. the leg), swelling of the leg, ankle or foot, warmth, redness, and even discolouration. If you have a Pulmonary Embolism, some symptoms that an individual might experience include shortness of breath, rapid breathing and heart rate, chest pain, feeling lightheaded, and even loss of consciousness. Again, if you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, then you should seek immediate medical attention, as the quicker you are seen and treated, the better.

While blood clots can happen to anyone at any time, there are also certain risk factors that can increase your risk of developing them. For example, lack of movement. This can include living a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough exorcise, having to stay on bed rest, or traveling for long periods of time (i.e. in a plane or vehicle) without being able to get up and walk around. Having certain surgical procedures (such as hip or knee surgery) can also increase your risk of developing blood clots. Things like obesity, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, tobacco use, chronic inflammatory disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history and age all also play a role in increasing your chances of developing blood clots, which is why it’s so crucial to stay as healthy as you possibly can.

When it comes to preventing blood clots, you need to be proactive. If you’re someone who doesn’t get much movement or plan on sitting for extended periods of time (i.e. at work/school), then take a break for a few minutes and get up, stretch and walk around, as movement is important for blood flow. If you’re going into the hospital for a surgical procedure, you will likely be assessed for your risk of developing blood clots – though your surgeon will have weighed the risks vs. benefits. It can always be a good idea, however, to ask your doctor if any preventative measures can be taken both before your hospitalization and once you’ve been discharged.

As for treating blood clots, aside from being proactive with your health, there are also a variety of medications that are used. Types of drugs that are most commonly used to prevent and/or treat blood clots include anticoagulants (which inhibit one or more clotting factors – a group of blood proteins that are responsible for blood clotting), thrombolytics (given to dissolve blood clots that are in the process of forming), and anti-platelet medications (which reduce the “stickiness” of blood platelets.) As with any medication, these can all come with side effects. Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, can also be difficult in terms of getting the dosing correct, while thrombolytic drugs also come with a fairly substantial risk of developing bleeding complications. Compression stockings are also often beneficial in reducing swelling and preventing blood clots from forming. In some cases, a patient may require a surgical procedure known as a catheter-directed thrombolysis procedure in which a small, long tube is directed to the blood clot. Medication is then delivered through the catheter to help dissolve the clot; while another procedure, known as thrombectomy surgery, is when doctors will carefully remove a blood clot. A patient may also require a stent to keep blood vessels open.