Tips for avoiding a deep vein thrombosis

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November 26, 2019 - 10:11 AM

Dear Dr. Roach: My brother-in-law has had blood clots in his legs twice before. Now he has another one in his calf, and tests showed several in his lungs! What causes blood clots, and how can you prevent them? — M.K.E.

 

Answer: The body must have a robust ability to stop bleeding, which needs to be ready at any time. That ability has a cost: possible inappropriate clotting inside the body.

Most people will never have a problem with inappropriate clotting, but there are dozens of medical conditions that can increase the risk. Some of these run in families. Prolonged immobility, such as during a hospitalization or even on long plane rides, is a clear risk factor for blood clots. All types of cancer increase the risk of blood clots, as does surgery. A pregnant woman, or one taking estrogen, is at higher risk. People with some genetic conditions are at higher risk; one that’s common is the factor V Leiden mutation.

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