Things to Do if You Want to Avoid Venous Thromboembolism

Venous Thromboembolism or VTE is a medical term referring to blood clots forming in the deep parts of a vein on the leg, arm, or groin, which can also travel to the lungs. According to medical experts, VTE is the third leading vascular diagnosis next to heart attack and stroke and is considered to be one of the most dangerous and deadly medical conditions. Breaking it down, there are two types of VTE:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - a blood clot which occurs in a deep vein on either the legs, arms, or groin
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - a blood clot which occurs when a DVT clot separates from a vein wall, traveling to the lungs, blocking most of the body’s blood supply. In most cases, pulmonary embolism alone can be fatal.

The DVT, PE, and VTE combined are considered life-threatening conditions which require immediate medical attention. However, how would you know if your body is starting to accumulate blood clots on specific areas like the legs, arms, groin, and lungs? Below are the signs and symptoms of DVT, PE, and VTE:

DVT Signs and Symptoms:

Tenderness of the thigh or calf
Leg pain
Leg swelling
Skin feeling too warm
Red streaks or discoloration

PE Signs and Symptoms:

Constant shortness of breath or palpitations
Chest pain (usually under the rib cage; can get worse upon deep breathing)
Increased heart rate
Passing out

Now that you know the signs and symptoms of each, it’s time to learn more about how to avoid the condition itself. Prevention is better than cure, especially in this case; thus, below are a few things to do if you want to prevent venous thromboembolism:

Consult With Your Doctor

Of course, the best possible way to avoid blood clotting is to consult with your doctor. Don’t ever try to self-diagnose and self-medicate because it can commence more complications that shouldn’t even be there in the first place. If you’re planning to have a hormone replacement therapy, it’s best to ask a doctor about the possible risks it might bring. A Kansas City hormone replacement therapy clinic ensures that all patients first undergo screenings and physical exams to avoid VTE complications upon the procedure.

Blood Thinners

More often than not, VTE, or blood clots in general, occur when a person’s blood runs too thick. In order to prevent the said medical condition, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you with blood thinners that can help avoid VTE, DVT, and PE. In some cases, doctors automatically prescribe specific blood thinners for persons who are at a high risk of suffering from VTE, so to [almost] altogether avoid further complications, blood thinners are one of the first and best options. Although it gets quite challenging to prevent, let alone treat, this medical condition. But prevention is better than nothing.

Stay Active and Lose Weight

You can never go wrong with exercise (that is if you do it moderately). Staying fit and active helps your body overcome and avoid any medical condition because you allow your muscles, bones, and nerves to move and stretch every once in a while. On top of that, you get to sweat a lot, which helps you lose weight.

Losing weight is also one way of avoiding venous thromboembolism. Why? Well, primarily because of how much fat blocks blood supply and passageways, which can lead to blood clots and further complications. Learn how to manage your weight by also eating a proper diet that includes low-fat and high fiber food. Also, avoid long periods of staying still since this can also cause blood clots because your nerves, bones, and muscles stay stuck in the same position, preventing blood to flow freely.

Hydrate Yourself

Just like exercise, you can never go wrong with the water. Water is the healthiest drink in the entire world. Water helps keep your body hydrated, and flushes out toxins in some way. Also, it’s one of the simplest and widely-available blood thinners out there. Overeating carbs or sugar can lead to blood clotting because of how it can make your blood thick. Meanwhile, drinking water helps keep your blood’s normal consistency.

Wear Loose Clothing

Wearing tight-fit clothes can only cause even more complications in your body because of how it blocks the natural and free flow or distribution of blood. If you’re fond of wearing fitted clothes, it’s time to switch up your wardrobe into loose or relaxed fit clothing to prevent unnecessary blood clots and other complications. Also, on a hot sunny day, or when travelling, it’s best to opt for relaxed-fit tops and bottoms, allowing your legs or your body, in general, to breathe through it.

Wrapping Up

Severe medical conditions like the venous thromboembolism should never be taken lightly, considering the fact that it’s one of the most dangerous and deadly medical conditions. Once you feel like symptoms of the said ailment are starting to show, better run to the nearest hospital and consult with a doctor. Health is wealth; it has been and will always be a priority. Never feel bad about looking after your health first before anything else. You only have one life to live, better take care of it now before it gets too late.

Author’s Bio:

Though not a medical professional, Hodge Racter knows a lot about medical topics, including testosterone replacement therapy (having undergone the procedure himself) and cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgeries. Today, he remains spry and energetic despite his age, and when he’s not doing freelance work, he’s having quality time with his wife and two dogs.