Your Guide to
Preventing and
Treating Blood Clots
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
540 Gaither Road
Rockville, MD 20850
AHRQ Pub. No. 09-0067-C
May 2009
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Preventing and Treating Blood Clots: A Guide for Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis, Study notes of Medicine
Valuable information on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis. It covers risk factors, signs and symptoms, and methods to prevent blood clots. It also includes a list of terms and contact information for ordering more copies.
What you will learn
- What are the common causes of blood clots?
- How can I prevent blood clots from forming?
- What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
Typology: Study notes
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Your Guide to
Preventing and
Treating Blood Clots
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850
AHRQ Pub. No. 090067C May 2009
Swelling
Clot
Vein
Blood clots can form in any deep veins of the body. Most often, they form in the legs, arms, or groin.
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■ Have a special port the doctor put in your body to give you medicine. ■ Have varicose (VARekos) or bad veins. ■ Have heart trouble. ■ Have had a blood clot before. ■ Have a family member who has had a blood clot. ■ Have taken a long trip (more than an hour) in a car, airplane, bus, or train.
Are you at risk?
■ Some people are more likely to get blood clots. Talk with your doctor to see if you are at risk.
Symptoms of a Blood Clot
You may have a blood clot if you see or feel: ■ New swelling in your arm or leg. ■ Skin redness. ■ Soreness or pain in your arm or leg. ■ A warm spot on your leg.
Important!
■ If you think you have a blood clot, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away!
Blood clots can be dangerous. Blood clots that form in the veins in your legs, arms, and groin can break loose and move to other parts of your body, including your lungs. A blood clot in your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (POOLmonare EMbolizem). If this happens, your life can be in danger. Go to the emergency room or call 911.
A blood clot may have gone to your lungs if you suddenly have:
■ A hard time breathing. ■ Chest pain. ■ A fast heartbeat. ■ Fainting spells. ■ A mild fever. ■ A cough, with or without blood.
Preventing Blood Clots
You can help prevent blood clots if you: ■ Wear loosefitting clothes, socks, or stockings. ■ Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time. ■ Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them. ■ Do exercises your doctor gives you. ■ Change your position often, especially during a long trip. ■ Do not stand or sit for more than 1 hour at a time. ■ Eat less salt. ■ Try not to bump or hurt your legs and try not to cross them. ■ Do not use pillows under your knees. ■ Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books. ■ Take all medicines the doctor prescribes you.
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List of Terms
Term Meaning
Anticoagulant Medicine that thins your blood
Blood clot Blood that clumps together
Blood thinner Another name for medicine that prevents blood from clotting
Coumadin®/warfarin, heparin Types of medicines that keep blood from clotting
Deep vein thrombosis A blood clot that forms in the veins of the legs, arms, or groin
Pulmonary embolism A blood clot that has traveled to your lungs
Varicose veins Enlarged veins, often found in your legs
How to Order AHRQ Booklets For more copies of this booklet, email the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse at AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov or call the tollfree number: 8003589295. To find other consumer materials, go to the AHRQ Web site at www.ahrq.gov/consumer.
This booklet is based on a product developed by Ann Wittkowsky, Pharm.D., Brenda K. Zierler, Ph.D., R.N., R.V.T., and the V.T.E. Safety Toolkit Team at the University of Washington, Seattle, under Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Grant No. U HS01589801. This document is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without special permission. Citation of the source is appreciated.
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