How to prevent deep vein thrombosis?
A deep vein thrombosis is often a 'one-off' event after a major operation. In this situation you will normally be advised to stop taking warfarin after a few months. Some people have an ongoing risk of a further deep vein thrombosis. For example, if you have a blood clotting problem, or continued immobility. You may then be advised to continue taking warfarin long-term.
If possible, avoid long periods of immobility such as sitting in a chair for many hours. If you are able, get up and walk around now and then. A daily brisk walk for 30-60 minutes is even better if you can do this. The aim is to stop the blood 'pooling', and to get the circulation in the legs moving. Regular exercise of the calf muscles also helps. You can do some calf exercises even when you are sitting. Major surgical operations are known to be a risk for a deep vein thrombosis - particularly operations to the hip, lower abdomen, and leg. You may be given aspirin or heparin just before having an operation to help prevent a deep vein thrombosis. An inflatable sleeve connected to a pump to compress the legs during a long operation may also be used. It is also common practice to get you up and walking as soon as possible after an operation. When you travel on long plane journeys, train journeys, etc, you should have little walks up and down the aisle every now and then. Also, exercise your calf muscles every now and then whilst sitting in your seat. A separate leaflet called 'Preventing deep vein thrombosis When You Travel' gives more details.
Although the risk of deep vein thrombosis cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be reduced in several ways. People at risk of deep vein thrombosis should flex and extend the ankles about 10 times every 30 minutes. Such people include those who have just had major surgery and those taking long trips. During long flights, everyone should walk and stretch every 2 hours.
Continuously wearing elastic stockings (support hose) makes the veins narrow slightly and the blood flow more rapidly. As a result, clotting is less likely. However, elastic stockings are not sufficient protection against developing deep vein thrombosis. Also, they may give a false sense of security and discourage more effective methods of prevention. If not worn correctly, they may bunch up and aggravate the problem by blocking blood flow in the legs.
Pneumatic stockings are an effective way to prevent clots. Usually made of plastic, these stockings are automatically pumped up and emptied by an electric pump. They repeatedly squeeze the calves and empty the veins. The stockings are put on before surgery and kept on during and after surgery, until the person can walk again. |
