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Blood clots form in the veins, usually in the Legs, but can form elsewhere in the body. If they break off and travel through your blood stream and up to the Heart, Lungs or Brain, they can be fatal. There are people who are more at risk than others, however, before we start to worry you, there are steps you can take to help prevent blood clots from forming.
1. Of course, number one is wearing compression socks. Good quality, graduated compression socks will make sure your blood circulation is effectively improved, particularly at times of immobility. Compression socks improve venous return (blood flow back to the Heart) to keep blood flow healthy and lessen the risk of clot formation. These are particularly useful when flying or for those with jobs that require you to sit all day or stand on your feet for long periods of time.
2. Exercise. And we don't mean high impact, athletics. By simply walking every 2-3 hours, the muscles in your legs will help push those veins and help get the blood flow circulating again. Whether you stand on your feet all day or work at a desk, adopting this healthy routine could help save you from unsightly veins, leg fatigue, pain in the legs from poor venous return, Thrombosis and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
3. Flexi-Feet. If you have a job where you are unable to move or walk every so often, such as driving, policing, chefs and hairdressers, then flexing your feet at regular intervals will help. Use the motion of pushing the toes and feet forward, and then curling the toes and feet backwards, and you will feel your calf muscles moving and contracting. As mentioned in point 2, this action helps improve the blood circulation back towards the Heart.
4. Aspirin. If you fall in the 'at-risk' category and you are medically ok to take Aspirin, this will help thin the blood and lessen your risk of clot formation in the veins. Drinking plenty of water can also help with this, so if you are unable to take Aspirin, then keeping hydrated will be better for you.
So who is in the 'at-risk' group? Sorry Ladies, but if you are on the pill, are pregnant or on HRT, you are at risk. People with obesity will be putting extra pressure on their veins to work harder and being overweight will make it more difficult to exercise. Those who are immobile, such as being wheelchair or bed confined, will be at risk due to the lack of movement in the leg muscles. Trauma or damage to the Veins may mean their functionality is hindered and the effectiveness of venous return is decreased.
People in jobs where sitting or standing for long periods of time, may need to take steps to avoid a sluggish, blood circulation. Machine workers, lorry, tractor and bus drivers, police, hairdressers, beauticians, chefs and kitchen staff, waiting staff, door security, bar staff, tv and film extras and actors, office workers, tillers, pilots and air stewards, to name just a few.
Whether you fall into the 'at-risk' category or not, a blood clot can happen to anyone, no matter what age or physical ability, so it is worth knowing that if you feel pain, tenderness or heat, or see any swelling or discolouration of the skin, get it checked out by a medical professional immediately, as this could be a sign of a blood clot.
