Preventing Blood Clots: Simple, Practical Steps

Blood clots can be serious but many are preventable. This page gives plain, useful steps you can use today — whether you sit at a desk, travel by plane, or are recovering from surgery. No medical jargon, just action you can take or ask your doctor about.

Practical daily habits

Move regularly. Sitting still for hours raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stand up, walk for five minutes every hour, and do calf raises while seated. If you have a desk job, set a timer or use a step counter to remind you.

Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. Dehydration thickens blood and can make clots more likely. Skip excess alcohol, especially before long travel.

Wear compression stockings when advised. Graduated compression socks help blood flow in the legs. They’re especially useful after surgery, during long flights, or if your doctor says you’re high-risk.

Manage weight and move toward a healthier lifestyle. Even modest weight loss lowers clot risk. Combine regular walking, simple strength work, and a balanced diet to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Quit smoking. Tobacco damages blood vessels and raises clot risk. If quitting feels hard, ask your doctor about programs, apps, or nicotine replacement to help.

Travel, surgery, and medicines

On long flights or drives: walk the aisle or take short breaks every hour. Do ankle circles, point-and-flex your feet, and wear loose clothing. For trips over 4–6 hours, consider compression socks; talk to your doctor if you have extra risk factors.

After surgery or during long hospital stays, follow your doctor’s plan for blood clot prevention. That may include blood thinners (anticoagulants) or mechanical devices like compression pumps. Don’t skip doses and tell your provider about any bleeding or unusual bruising.

Know how medications affect you. Birth control pills and hormone replacement can raise clot risk for some people. If you have risk factors (age, smoking, family history, obesity), discuss alternatives with your clinician.

Manage chronic conditions. Control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Atrial fibrillation and some cancers increase clot risk — active follow-up with your healthcare team matters.

Watch for warning signs. Sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth, or redness can mean DVT. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood could signal a pulmonary embolism — get urgent care.

If you’re unsure where you stand, ask your doctor about a risk check. They may suggest blood tests, imaging, or temporary anticoagulation for high-risk situations. Small changes—moving more, staying hydrated, and following medical advice—make a big difference in preventing blood clots.

Want focused articles on related topics? Check guides on travel thrombosis, anticoagulant safety, and post-surgery prevention for clear steps you can use right away.