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Current News

NBCA Launches Season 2 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is thrilled to launch Season Two of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot…

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Dr. Suman Wasan Joins NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board

The National Blood Clot Alliance is thrilled to welcome Dr. Suman Wasan to our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr.…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

"At five days postnatal, I started having pain in

"At five days postnatal, I started having pain in my right calf. I rang maternity at the hospital, who ran through the clot checklist: 'Is it hot to touch? No. Is it red? No. Is it swollen? No.'

Apart from the pain, there were no other symptoms. I was told to ring back if the pain got worse. The midwives visited me at home that afternoon for my baby boy’s day five weight check. I mentioned the pain and she told me I wasn’t in enough pain as she had experienced a DVT before and she had to ring an ambulance. So it was shrugged off as a labor injury.

The pain never got worse, but it was still an issue four days later when I couldn’t put weight on it fully or stretch it out fully. I rang maternity back, and again they went through the checklist, but still, my only symptom was the pain.

They told me it didn’t sound like a DVT, but if I was concerned enough, go to A&E (emergency department in the UK). I’d had many professionals tell me it didn’t sound like a DVT that I believed them at this point.

On Day 12 postnatal, the pain was still there. My health visitor came and agreed it didn’t sound like a DVT but she would refer me to the doctor as it had been an issue for a prolonged period of time.

On Day 14 I woke up to get my daughter ready for Red Nose Day at school. I went to the bathroom and woke up to my daughter asking if I was OK. I had collapsed.

I came back around and shouted for my partner. My heart was racing, pounding out of my chest, I was extremely lightheaded and struggling to breathe. I made my way down to A&E. I collapsed to the floor again outside the A&E doors and woke up to the doctors and nurses rushing towards me.

My diagnosis following this was bilateral saddle pulmonary embolism with significant right-side heart strain. I spent five days in the hospital with my newborn. Thankfully my body coped amazingly well once I started thinners.

I am so unbelievably grateful to still be here with my children and family and will continue to tell my story with the hope it saves someone else."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

Many newly diagnosed blood clot patients who are p

Many newly diagnosed blood clot patients who are placed on anticoagulants (blood thinners) are not prepared for a major side effect of the medication: an increased risk of bleeding.

Understanding the different types of bleeding, what to expect, and how to manage them is crucial for patients on blood thinners. Did you know that NBCA has a resource that patients can use to help guide the conversation with their doctor on bleeding risks?

Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 10 focuses on issues surrounding bleeding while on blood thinners, including nuisance bleeding, often referred to as "patient-relevant bleeding," how it differs from "clinically-relevant" bleeding, and when to seek medical attention.

We’ll also provide practical strategies to help patients reduce their bleeding risk, stay safe, and maintain their quality of life while benefiting from lifesaving anticoagulant therapy, as well as future outlook for new medication options. We hope you join us for this informative session!

Download the bleeding discussion guide and register for our next PEP Talk at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants #bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #patientrelevantbleeding

"My first DVT was in July 1995, two weeks after th

"My first DVT was in July 1995, two weeks after the birth of my first (and only) child. I had a shooting pain in my left buttocks and rode an ambulance to the hospital with my newborn and husband.

The ER docs did not seem to consider the possibility of a DVT and were looking for infection, even though I didn’t have any symptoms of this. They decided that I was dehydrated and were ready to send me home when I noticed that my legs were two different colors.

They sent me for an ultrasound and found the DVT from knee to groin. I was in the hospital for a week on a heparin pump and then sent home with heparin to self-administer. I was referred to a hematologist who tested me for thrombophilia and discovered that I had antiphospholipid syndrome.

After a couple of months of heparin injections, I was off anticoagulants until my second DVT (also left leg, below knee) seven years later in 2002 after a flight to Europe.
I spent a week in the hospital in Italy, received anticoagulant injections, and took warfarin, visiting various hospitals to have my INR checked. My hematologist in the US found that I also have the prothrombin gene mutation.

A CT with contrast found that I have May-Thurner syndrome, and I had three stents placed in September 2003.

In 2023, after being successful on warfarin for 21 years (with enoxaparin bridges for colonoscopies), I had a third DVT. Initially, I was diagnosed with a superficial clot, and nobody took me seriously that there was something more going on.

But after four ultrasounds over a period of weeks, they diagnosed me with a DVT and I started again on enoxaparin.

In terms of family history, my father had the prothrombin gene mutation and experienced a PE in his 80s.

My advice to others is to advocate for yourself. Do not let the doctors tell you that there is nothing wrong when you know that there is. Do not be afraid to ask for help."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

“In December 2022, I experienced a miscarriage a

“In December 2022, I experienced a miscarriage and developed constant pain in my right calf. Because my mom and an extended family member have a history of blood clots, I called my doctor right away to get it looked at.

The doctor ran a D-dimer blood test and it came back high, so an ultrasound was done on my leg, but no clot was found.

Over the next two days, I started feeling weird. I was fatigued, dizzy, and winded after walking across my living room. Because of my family’s history of blood clots, I knew I needed to call my doctor again.

At this appointment, I was told that the D-dimer was probably only high because of pregnancy and that I probably didn’t have clots in my lungs because there wasn’t a clot found in my leg. However, pregnancy is a risk factor for blood clots, and I pushed for a CT scan.

Sure enough, there were clots in my right lung. My doctor was shocked. I believe there was a clot in my leg that was missed, and it then broke off and traveled to my lungs. If the clot in my leg had been detected during the ultrasound, then we could have caught it before it got to my lungs.

I was started on blood thinners right away and spent the next few months healing and doing labs. No clotting disorders were found. I am now on blood thinners for life due to my history and family history. I truly credit my knowledge of blood clot symptoms in being able to find and treat it so early. Without my family history, I wouldn’t have known to push for testing with my doctor.

I hate that my mom experienced this too (no one should ever have to experience it), but I believe that her going through it first saved my life.

Something I continue to experience is healthcare providers being confused that I’m on blood thinners as if they don’t know that clots can happen to young people, too.

My experience has made me realize that you can’t take life for granted and that health is so important. I truly cherish every moment with my daughter because she could have lived a life where she didn’t have me. Now, I will do everything in my power to be here for her.”

Read more stories at the link in bio.

Whether you made a financial contribution, signed

Whether you made a financial contribution, signed up to volunteer, or shared information on social media, your support on Giving Tuesday exceeded all expectations.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible $32,431 — more than three times our original goal and double what we raised last year!

These funds will play a pivotal role in spreading blood clot awareness nationwide, and providing crucial support and resources to blood clot patients.

On behalf of the two million people who rely on NBCA each year for information and support, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU!

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our G

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser! As the hours tick down, we want to share the heartfelt sentiments of a donor and blood clot survivor who has truly benefited from NBCA’s resources and support:

"The National Blood Clot Alliance has given me information and peace about this condition that seemed to come out of nowhere. Despite the mental and physical challenges I’m facing, I feel so blessed and thankful to be here. Thank you for being a resource to me.”

If NBCA has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love, we’d be honored to receive your support before Giving Tuesday ends at 11:59 p.m. Your generosity fuels our mission to provide life-saving education, resources, and hope to those impacted by blood clots.

Please donate today at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Not only is it #GivingTuesday, it’s also Hazel B

Not only is it #GivingTuesday, it’s also Hazel Brown’s second clotiversary. She shared this amazing story of how her 4-year-old black Lab truly helped to stop her clot:

“Two years ago today, for no obvious reason, Daisy insisted I get out of bed at 2 a.m. Fortunately she did, as I collapsed and got to the ER, where I was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli and myocardial injury. Doctors agree that in getting me up, Daisy saved my life.”

As Hazel recovered, with Daisy and her two other dogs, Poppy and Violet, by her side, she found the National Blood Clot Alliance. Her experience inspired her to help others identify the signs and symptoms of blood clots — just as Daisy did for her. She became an NBCA Community Thrombassador to help spread awareness.

With just a few hours left of Giving Tuesday, we would be so grateful for your support, which can help fuel Hazel’s outreach efforts as a Thrombassador. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation?

#stoptheclot #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we want to take a mom

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we want to take a moment to update you on our progress and celebrate the incredible impact YOU are making!

Thanks to The Power of Us—the collective generosity of all of YOU—patients, caregivers, clinicians, and community members, we’ve already raised nearly 50% of our $10,000 goal! Together, we’re making a difference.

If everyone who accessed NBCA’s resources in 2024 gave just $1, we could fund our mission for years to come. With less than 12 hours left, please consider donating today and join The Power of Us. Your gift today will help us continue to provide vital blood clot education, support, and resources to those who need them most.

Every donation—big or small—brings us closer to our goal. Together, we can achieve so much more than we ever could alone.

Please donate today!

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #vte #bloodclots #bloodclotawareness #thepowerofus

If you’ve donated to NBCA for Giving Tuesday, le

If you’ve donated to NBCA for Giving Tuesday, let the world know and inspire others to do the same by sharing an UNselfie!

Here’s how to do it:

- Grab a sign that says why you’re supporting blood clot awareness (download our template or get creative!).
- Take a picture of yourself holding the sign (or just write your message on paper).
- Share it on social media and tag us @stoptheclot with #UNselfie and #GivingTuesday.

We’ll re-share your UNselfies throughout the day.

If you haven’t donated yet, now is the time! Donation and UNselfie links in bio.

Donate Now: https://bit.ly/DonateNBCAonGT
UNselfie Template: https://bit.ly/2024GivingTuesdayUNselfie

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Donate and access the UNselfie template at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

The day is finally here — it’s Giving Tuesday!

The day is finally here — it’s Giving Tuesday!

Each year, 100,000 Americans die from blood clots. Sadly, many of these deaths are preventable.

Awareness of the signs and symptoms can save lives, and you can help us combat this silent killer by standing in solidarity with us today.

To help make an impact on Giving Tuesday, we ask you to take action by making a donation to the National Blood Clot Alliance.

Join us in amplifying blood clot education and awareness across the nation and, most importantly, helping to save lives.

Time is of the essence, and we can’t achieve our mission to Stop the Clot without you. Your contribution is more than a donation, it’s a step towards a future where fewer people are dying of blood clots.

Please donate today!

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! 🌟 Ready to make a d

Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! 🌟 Ready to make a difference? It's time to get your UNselfie ready!

What’s an UNselfie? It's a photo of YOU with a sign or a message showing why you support the National Blood Clot Alliance and why this cause matters to you. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, a clinician, or an advocate, your voice can inspire others to join the fight!

Here’s how to do it:

✅ Grab a sign that says why you’re supporting blood clot awareness (you can download our template or get creative!). Template: https://bit.ly/2024GivingTuesdayUNselfie
✅ Take a picture of yourself holding the sign (or just write your message on paper).
✅ Share it on social media and tag us @stoptheclot with #UNselfie and #GivingTuesday.
✅ Donate and help us reach our goal: https://bit.ly/DonateNBCAonGT

Your support will make a meaningful difference in the fight against blood clots.

🔗Links in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Giving Tuesday is TOMORROW! Can we count on you to

Giving Tuesday is TOMORROW! Can we count on you to help us reach our goal and make a difference in the fight against blood clots?

The National Blood Clot Alliance has been on the front lines of blood clot awareness and prevention since 2003, but we can’t do it alone.

The power of us is what makes our mission possible. It's the collective strength of our community — survivors, caregivers, allies, clinicians, and advocates — coming together to prevent blood clots and save lives.

With your generosity this Giving Tuesday, we can amplify awareness, expand education, and prevent more lives from being impacted by this silent killer.

Will you join us? Donate for Giving Tuesday, December 3 at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Giving Tuesday is December 3 — just three days a

Giving Tuesday is December 3 — just three days away! This year, we’re celebrating The Power of Us, because when blood clot survivors, caregivers, allies, clinicians, and lawmakers come together, we can create real change.

Here are four ways you can make a difference this Giving Tuesday:

1. Volunteer your time
2. Start a fundraiser
3. Share on social media
4. Make a donation

Individually, we are strong. Together, we are unstoppable!

Download the toolkit at the link in bio or at: bit.ly/2024GivingTuesdayToolkit

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

"In 2015, six weeks after starting an estrogen-bas

"In 2015, six weeks after starting an estrogen-based birth control pill for perimenopausal symptoms and one month into an overseas trip, I experienced the first symptoms of what I now know to be deep vein thrombosis and multiple pulmonary emboli. Sadly, my years of experience as a critical care nurse did not help me recognize that something was wrong. I ignored my body's signals and told myself that I had a respiratory virus.

I was overseas for another week after the first symptoms appeared, then spent 7 days crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a ship. Upon arrival to the USA, I flew from New York to New Orleans. When I got off the plane, I felt horrible and I thought I just needed to rest and recover from my journey.

A week later (yes, another week), thanks to the insistence of my best friend who is also a critical care nurse, I went to the doctor. I was sent for an ultrasound and was diagnosed with a DVT, then sent to the ER. I was sent home with an apixaban prescription, my shortness of breath dismissed as anxiety.

I returned to the ER the next day, again at my friend's insistence, due to my continued shortness of breath and told them I wanted a CT scan. I was admitted to the hospital with a submassive saddle pulmonary embolism, multiple clots in both lungs, a large clot in my right pulmonary artery, bilateral pulmonary infarcts and right heart strain. Recovery was slow and the lingering shortness of breath was miserable and scary. I also struggled mentally, terrified that I would drop dead at any moment.

I've learned to advocate for myself and I've that community support is a vital component of recovery.

Thankfully, I have a wonderful, supportive family. With love, treatment, and time, I found my mental balance, my heart returned to normal, and my lungs improved dramatically.

Nine years later, I am focused on living fully. I travel and I love adventure. I still deal with venous insufficiency and shortness of breath but I'm in a good place and I appreciate every single day!"

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #dvt #pe #travel #birthcontrol #hrt #thrombassador #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotsurvivor

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you know that today is als

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you know that today is also Family Health History Day?

As you gather around the table with loved ones, we encourage everyone to have open conversations about your own family health history, including any occurrence of blood clots.

While several risk factors, including surgery, trauma, or prolonged immobility can contribute to the development blood clots, genetics plays a very significant role.

Take action today to shed light on your own medical history and the medical histories of relatives who came before you so that proper preventative measures can be taken. It could save the life of a loved one!

Learn more about genetic risks for blood clots at bit.ly/BloodClotTesting (link in bio).

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #thanksgiving #familyhealthhistoryday #inheritedthrombophilia #thrombophilia #bloodclottingdisorder #knowyourrisk

When it comes to bleeding events, the clinical foc

When it comes to bleeding events, the clinical focus is often on "major bleeds," while "nuisance" or patient-relevant bleeds are frequently minimized or overlooked. In this discussion, we'll address concerns about all bleeding types while on a blood thinner, offer practical strategies for navigating these conversations, and explore how to determine which bleeds are serious and require medical intervention. We’ll also discuss how to balance safety with quality of life while on anticoagulants.

Reserve your spot at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants #bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #patientrelevantbleeding

"In August 2023, I had my second bunionectomy. The

"In August 2023, I had my second bunionectomy. The first was in 2015 with no complications. This time would prove differently.

Preparing for surgery, I was advised by the surgical team to really curtail my activities in the following days. After surgery, I adhered to the instructions. I elevated my leg often and limited going up and down stairs. In retrospect, I think I limited my mobility too much.

On about days 5 and 6 post-surgery, I was beginning to feel aches and pains that I thought were normal aching. I did not associate calf pain with anything like a blood clot.

On August 17, six days after surgery, I began to feel pretty crappy. We had our grandson that day and I remember feeling very uncomfortable and tired.

Later that night, I was experiencing a sharp pain when I tried to breathe in. I thought maybe I was having a heart attack.

I got up and called a nurse friend. We decided I ought to go to the ER. On the way, the pain was excruciating. Within 30 minutes, I was diagnosed with a DVT and multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. I was hospitalized for three days and given blood thinners.

In terms of risk factors, I have MTHFR and prothrombin II gene mutation. I also have a family history of clots — my mother had experienced a DVT. Plus, I was on an estrogen-based pill version of hormone replacement therapy for five months before my surgery. As a younger woman, I was a longtime user of birth control.

This experience has changed my lifestyle in that I am much more aware, but it has not curtailed my activities. I have lost 40 lbs and continue to be as active as possible. I also love to travel and really want to go at it for the next 10 years or so. Having a blood clot will not slow me down. I will just be much smarter, aware, and preventive.

I am now an NBCA Community Thrombassasor. I share and awaken others with my knowledge, experience, strength, and hope. Together, we can help stop the clot and prevent loss of life."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #MTHFR #factorII #HRT #estrogen #dvt #pe #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thrombassador

After the sudden loss of her 41-year-old cousin, C

After the sudden loss of her 41-year-old cousin, Chandra, to a pulmonary embolism, Jill Cowley was moved to take action.

Determined to honor Chandra’s memory and raise awareness of blood clot risks, Jill joined forces with the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) this year to organize the inaugural Chandra’s Stop the Clot Charity Golf Tournament in Oswego, NY. This event, followed by a banquet, raised significant funds, a portion of which was donated to NBCA in Chandra’s name.

Chandra, a devoted mother of two and a social worker with more than 10 years of service in Oswego County Child Protective Services, was also known for her warm spirit and famous Bloody Marys. Through this event, Jill not only commemorated her cousin's life but also sparked meaningful conversations about blood clot prevention in her community.

But Jill’s commitment to the cause didn’t stop there. Working in healthcare, she saw an opportunity to help deepen the understanding of blood clots among her fellow healthcare professionals. She organized another event to share NBCA’s no-cost continuing education program with her colleagues.

Most recently, Jill participated in NBCA’s Community Thrombassador training and continues to spread blood clot awareness at every opportunity.

Thank you, Jill, for being such a passionate volunteer. Your continued dedication to spreading Chandra’s legacy and supporting NBCA is deeply appreciated.

Read more about Jill at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #thrombassador #bloodclots #vte #volunteering #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #pulmonaryembolism #golftournament

Giving Tuesday is December 3 — just one week awa

Giving Tuesday is December 3 — just one week away! This year, we’re celebrating The Power of Us, because when blood clot survivors, caregivers, allies, clinicians, and lawmakers come together, we can create real change.

Here’s an action you can take today: download and use our Giving Tuesday Toolkit!

With social messaging, fundraising tips, and blood clot awareness ideas, this toolkit makes it easy to inspire your network. Share it with your family and friends, and encourage them to join our lifesaving mission!

Why does it matter? Blood clots affect nearly one million people in the United States every year. By coming together, we can:

- Educate the public about prevention and warning signs
- Advocate for better care and resources
- Support those impacted by blood clots

Individually, we are strong. Together, we are unstoppable!

Get the toolkit at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are lifesaving med

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are lifesaving medications that help in preventing and treating blood clots. However, they come with potential risks—most notably, an increased risk of bleeding. Understanding the different types of bleeding, what to expect, and how to manage them is crucial for patients on blood thinners.

In our December PEP Talk, we’ll explore the concept of nuisance bleeding, often referred to as "patient-relevant bleeding," how it differs from "clinically-relevant" bleeding, and when to seek medical attention.

Attendees will also leave with practical strategies to help reduce bleeding risk and stay safe, while maintaining quality of life while on lifesaving anticoagulant therapy. Plus, we’ll discuss the future outlook for new medication options. We hope you join us for this informative session!

Register: http://bit.ly/Dec2024PEPTalk (link in bio)

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants
#bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #patientrelevantbleeding

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