You Can Prevent Harmful Blood Clots
A blood clot in a vein located inside a muscle, also known as deep vein thrombosis, can cause a number of symptoms like swelling, pain and tenderness. However, many people with these blood clots experience no symptoms at all. As a preventable condition, it is important to understand the risk factors involved and how to avoid them.
Stay Active
In today’s culture of driving everywhere and working while sitting at a desk, it is often difficult to keep your body moving. If you are one of the many people who find themselves seated for a significant portion of their day, you can still do things like flexing your calves or going on a short walk during your breaks. Not only can this help keep your entire body healthy, but also it can reduce your risk of blood clots.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, you are at increased risk of developing blood clots in your veins. Fortunately, nicotine patches, gums, sprays and prescription drugs are readily available to aid in breaking your addiction. You may also benefit from joining a support group for those trying to stop smoking.
Eat Right
When you eat right and exercise, you can significantly reduce your risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Fill your diet with low fat, high-fiber foods with lots of fruits and vegetables. Check your blood pressure often and follow your doctor’s instructions if your blood pressure rises to an unhealthy level.
Drink Water
Many people simply do not realize how much water the human body really needs to stay healthy and functioning at an optimum level. In addition to staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, it is best to reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake. Caffeine dehydrates you, which makes your blood thicker and veins narrower.
Understand Risks and Complications
Knowledge is power. That is why it is a good idea to understand the dangers of blood clots. In addition to blocking blood flow to the heart, a blood clot can break away and travel to major organs within the body leading to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and irregular heartbeat.Blood clots that form in a vein can be extremely dangerous. However, by taking preventative measures, anyone can significantly reduce their risk of getting these blood clots. When you drink plenty of water, get adequate exercise and eat right, you can improve your health overall as well as prevent unwanted blood clots from forming in your veins.
