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How does fondaparinux work?

Fondaparinux (Arixtra®) differs from standard heparin and LMWH in several ways. In particular, it does not come from animal sources. Instead, this drug is a synthetic version of the active site of the heparin molecule and is an even smaller molecule than LMWH. Heparin blocks both thrombin and factor Xa, whereas LMWH has relatively more activity against factor Xa and relatively less activity against thrombin. By contrast, fondaparinux acts exclusively against factor Xa—it does not affect thrombin. Fondaparinux does not require monitoring.

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Historic Win: Florida Approves First-in-the-Nation Blood Clot Tracking System

Today marks a major milestone in blood clot awareness and prevention efforts: The Florida House and Senate have officially passed…

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NBCA Names Ascension Sacred Heart as the Second NBCA VTE Center of Excellence™

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to welcome Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, FL as the newest NBCA-designated…

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

Faith’s life was just beginning. At 18, she was

Faith’s life was just beginning. At 18, she was misdiagnosed despite chest pain, shortness of breath, and passing out. Days later, a pulmonary embolism took her life. Her sister Heather shares their story to raise awareness: Blood clots can happen at any age. Know the signs. 👉Swipe through to read her story.

🔗 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #Athlete #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFatality #FatalPE

🚴And they’re off! Good luck to our cyclists a

🚴And they’re off! Good luck to our cyclists as they take on the TD Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City today!

Show some love to these blood clot survivors and advocates as they pedal 40 miles through the city, representing Team Stop the Clot in our signature red polka dots. This incredible team has raised $12,523 to support NBCA’s mission!

P.S. May is #NationalBikeMonth! With approval from your doctor, bicycling might be a great way to get back into exercise following a blood clot diagnosis.

@BikeNewYork #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #StopTheClot

A blood clot diagnosis doesn’t just affect your

A blood clot diagnosis doesn’t just affect your body—it can take a toll on your mental health, too.

Many survivors face anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation after their diagnosis. If that’s you, please know you’re not alone.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind you that support is available. NBCA’s private Facebook group is a welcoming, judgment-free space where blood clot survivors come together to share, listen, and support one another.

Let’s lift each other up. Join us at the 🔗 in bio.

#stoptheclot #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthmatters #bloodclots #bloodclotawareness #anxiety #depression #healthanxiety

At just 17, Abby thought her leg pain was nothing

At just 17, Abby thought her leg pain was nothing serious—until she nearly passed out and learned she had multiple blood clots in her leg and lungs. Now Abby is sharing her story to raise awareness. Know your risk. It could save your life. Swipe through 👉to read her story.

🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #FactorVLeiden #Prothrombin #Athlete #BirthControl #BloodClotAwareness
@abbysnoke

Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Devane

Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Devaney

In just a few months as an NBCA Thrombassador, Lizzie has already made an incredible impact, reaching over one million people with her passionate advocacy for blood clot awareness.

Her journey with blood clots began in 2022, when she had a minimally-invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. That triggered deep vein thrombosis, which was initially misdiagnosed, and eventually led to a saddle pulmonary embolism.

Lizzie completed Thrombassador training in October 2024 and wasted no time getting to work, securing interviews with four major newspapers, where she shared her personal blood clot story and spread critical information about the signs and risks of blood clots.

She has been an active presence in patient support groups, offering advice and empathy to others.

During Blood Clot Awareness Month, Lizzie was a social media powerhouse, posting daily educational content across her platforms.

Lizzie, we couldn’t be prouder to have you as part of our community. Keep up the amazing work!

Read her story at the 🔗 in bio.

@croi_nutrition #stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #volunteer #bloodclotvolunteer #volunteerofthemonth #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #pulmonaryembolism

May is Women’s Health Month — a time to put a

May is Women’s Health Month — a time to put a spotlight on the fact that blood clot risks tied to estrogen-based birth control, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and hormone therapy impact millions of women every year.

The National Blood Clot Alliance is raising awareness with our Women’s Health Month Toolkit (🔗 in bio) designed to help our partners and advocates spread life-saving awareness all month long.

📣 Calling all health care professionals and advocacy groups: Use our toolkit to educate, empower, and elevate the conversation around women and blood clots.

🫶 And to the women impacted by blood clots — your stories matter. Your voice can save lives.

Let’s work together to protect women’s health this month and every month.

📅 Don’t miss our May 13 PEP Talk: Women and Blood Clots. Register at the 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #WomensHealthMonth #BloodClotAwareness #PEPTalk #WomensHealth #BloodClotWebinar

For Sherrye Platt, New York City’s 2025 TD Five

For Sherrye Platt, New York City’s 2025 TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place this Sunday, May 4, is more than a ride—it’s a tribute to her and her brother Scott’s fight against blood clots.

In 2021, it took five excruciating weeks for Sherrye to be diagnosed with a DVT. Three years later, her brother Scott developed a rare clot in the vein between his stomach and liver after hernia surgery. Their shared diagnosis? Two inherited clotting disorders: factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation (factor II).

Now on lifelong anticoagulants, Sherrye and Scott are determined to raise awareness about genetic testing after a clot and the need for better surgical risk assessments.

This is Sherrye’s third ride with Team Stop the Clot for the Five Boro Bike Tour, and her most personal.

If you’d like to help her reach her goal of raising $1,500 to support blood clot education, awareness, and research, please consider making a donation at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #BloodClots #DVT #BloodClotAdvocacy #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotSurvivor

After a years-long battle with deep vein thrombosi

After a years-long battle with deep vein thrombosis, vasculitis, and antiphospholipid syndrome, Dustin shares how he’s learned to live with less stress and more peace. His journey is a reminder to seek care early and keep pushing for answers. 👉Swipe through to read his full story.

🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #Vascuilitis #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor

If you’re a woman with a history of blood clots,

If you’re a woman with a history of blood clots, you might be asking: what does this mean for my birth control options?

Hormones play an important role in blood clot risk, and some types of contraception — like estrogen-containing pills, patches, or rings — can raise that risk even further. Knowing what’s safe (and what’s not) is crucial for protecting your health.

Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist with the University of Utah, joins us for the second year in a row to discuss women’s blood clot risks on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

In this clip from last year’s PEP Talk on this topic. Dr. Parks explains that women who have a history of blood clots are at in increased risk if they taken a estrogen-based contraceptive.

We will also discuss:

- How different types of contraception impact clot risk
- Safer birth control options for women with a clotting history
- Navigating risks related to pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy
- Key questions to ask your healthcare provider
- How to advocate for your reproductive and vascular health

Whether you’ve had a DVT, a PE, have a family history of clotting, or have been diagnosed with a clotting disorder like factor V Leiden, this session is for you.

🔗Register: bit.ly/May2025PEPTalk (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #WomenAndBloodClots #PEPTalk #BloodClots #KnowYourRisk #Contraception #BloodClotAwareness #Pregnancy #HRT #WomensHealth #WomensHealthMonth #Thrombosis #VTE #DVT #VTE

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Florida has officially passed t

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Florida has officially passed the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act — the first of its kind in the US aimed at improving blood clot detection, treatment, and tracking.

Named for 23-year-old Emily Adkins, who died of a pulmonary embolism in 2022, this legislation will establish the nation’s first blood clot registry.

The National Blood Clot Alliance is proud to have played a role in this historic legislation alongside the Adkins family, Rep. Dean Black, Sen. Clay Yarborough and others.

Governor DeSantis is expected to sign the bill by June 30.

This is a major step forward and lays the groundwork for other states to follow Florida’s lead in using this legislation as a model to save lives.

🔗Read more at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #EmilyAdkinsProtectionAct #EmilyAdkinsFamilyProtectionAct #FloridaPolitics #EmilysPromise #BloodClotLegislation #BloodClotAwareness @emilyspromisefl

April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Wor

April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work — a time to raise awareness about the health risks people face on the job, including blood clots.

Professions that involve low physical activity and restricted movement — like long-haul truck drivers, pilots, and people who spend most of their day seated at a desk — carry an increased risk for dangerous blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The longer you're seated without movement, the greater the risk.

The good news? Awareness can save lives. Moving your legs regularly, staying hydrated, and knowing the signs and symptoms of blood clots can make all the difference.

Learn more about how to prevent blood clots at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #WorldDayForSafetyAndHealthAtWork #TruckDrivers #BloodClotPrevention #KnowYourRIsk

💔 After developing blood clots, Nick faced frus

💔 After developing blood clots, Nick faced frustrating delays and miscommunication about a serious diagnosis: factor V Leiden. Tragically, he passed away at just 31 years old. Now, his family honors him by raising awareness. 👉Swipe through to read his story, as told by his mother Amy.

Read more stories at the 🔗in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FactorVLeiden #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFatality

It’s National Tell a Story Day — a reminder of

It’s National Tell a Story Day — a reminder of the power stories have to educate, connect, and heal.

At NBCA, we’re proud to share the voices of blood clot survivors. Your stories raise awareness, spark important conversations, and offer hope to those navigating diagnosis and recovery.

To everyone who has shared their journey with us: thank you. You’re helping others feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Want to share your blood clot story? Do so at the 🔗in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotstory #patientstory #nationaltellastoryday #storytelling #patientstory #stoptheclotstory #bloodclotawareness

💐Springtime is the perfect season to bring peop

💐Springtime is the perfect season to bring people together — and what better reason than to raise awareness about blood clots and support the mission of the National Blood Clot Alliance?

Whatever you love to do — walking, biking, yoga, hosting a backyard BBQ, or gathering with friends — why not turn it into a blood clot awareness event? It’s a powerful way to share life-saving information, support NBCA, and make a difference in your community.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Our event planning guide is packed with tips, tools, and inspiration to help you turn your idea into impact. Use the guide at the 🔗 in bio and start planning!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotAwarenessEvent #BloodClotSurvivor #SpringIntoAction

After a fall and persistent leg pain, Amanda was d

After a fall and persistent leg pain, Amanda was diagnosed with extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Her story is a reminder that swelling, warmth, and pain in the leg should never be ignored. Swipe 👉 to read Amanda's story.

💡If you struggled with your mental health after a blood clot, what helped you the most?

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #DVT #BloodClotAwareness

Raising awareness takes a community—and during B

Raising awareness takes a community—and during Blood Clot Awareness Month and beyond, our volunteers have proven just how strong that community is.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re sharing just a taste of the amazing things our dedicated blood clot awareness advocates do all year-round to #StopTheClot.

⭐ Denise and Paul Englert of New York state lost their son, Paul, to a pulmonary embolism in 2013. Thanks to their advocacy, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport launched a public awareness campaign about preventing blood clots while traveling.

⭐ Shannon Harris appeared on WBRC’s Good Day Alabama to speak about blood clots. She also took part in a community wellness fair in McCalla, AL and helped at our B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour stop at St. John AME Church in Birmingham.

⭐Lisa Lane spread awareness at universities in Tennessee throughout March. She visited East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

⭐ Kyle Hussein organized the Texas Youth World Baseball Classic from March 13-16 and distributed Stop the Clot wristbands and awareness resources.

⭐ Chelsey Rice turned creativity into advocacy during Blood Clot Awareness Month by donating proceeds from her survivor-themed resin keychains and pins that she sold in her Etsy shop.

⭐ Egypt Bryant, Tiana Jonas, Mone’ Bryant-Charles, and Alphonso Kenney organized a spoken word event in New York City focused on blood clot awareness.

⭐ Michelle Manimbo, cardiovascular/VTE nurse navigator with AdventHealth Palm Coast in Florida, spread awareness at the annual Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber of Commerce Springfest in Bunnell, FL.

⭐ Teri Stanfield organized a blood clot awareness and community workout event for NBCA’s 100,000 Reasons Challenge at Furman University in honor of her son, Bryce, a student at Furman who died of a PE.

⭐ Visalia Medical Clinic hosted its first-ever Clot Walk in Visalia, CA to raise awareness about blood clots. The event, organized by nurse Andrea Van Beek, also featured a blood drive, educational talks, and support from local first responders.

After days of leg pain and swelling she thought wa

After days of leg pain and swelling she thought was a yoga injury, Alison pushed through the discomfort—even celebrating her birthday. But chest pain and shortness of breath soon followed.

Now recovering, Alison urges others: Don’t ignore swelling or pain. ➡️ Swipe through to read her full story.

🔗More stories: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness

Attention, women: Have you ever been dismissed, yo

Attention, women: Have you ever been dismissed, your medical concerns downplayed, or felt as if you’re not taken seriously when you describe your symptoms in a healthcare setting?

This is medical gaslighting, and it’s a far more common experience for women than men. In fact, many female blood clot patients report being misdiagnosed or sent home without an exam because healthcare professionals dismissed their concerns, which can result in life-threatening complications.

This will be one of the many topics that we’ll discuss during our next PEP Talk in recognition of Women’s Health Month on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Anna Parks, assistant professor at the University of Utah Division of Hematology and a member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, is back by popular demand to serve as our medical expert.

Join us for this informative discussion, and bring your questions! Register: 🔗in bio

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #peptalk #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotawareness #womenandbloodclots #pregnancy #birthcontrol #estrogen #menopause #bloodclotprevention

After weeks of swelling, shortness of breath, and

After weeks of swelling, shortness of breath, and pain, Cherryl was diagnosed with multiple blood clots in both lungs. She’s now sharing her story to raise awareness. Her advice: trust your body, speak up, and don’t delay care. ➡️Swipe through to read Cherryl's story.

🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #DeepVeinThrombosis #DVT #Estrogen #Covid #BloodClotAwareness

Last month, @Bucks announced that the team’s sta

Last month, @Bucks announced that the team’s star point guard, @damianlillard, would be out of the game indefinitely after being diagnosed with a DVT.

Now, Lillard has been cleared to return to the game, the NBA announced, and could appear back on the court as early as this week.

The National Blood Clot Alliance wishes Lillard a great first game back and a continued smooth recovery. 🏀💪

Blood clots are preventable, and they can be treated if caught early. Learn the signs and symptoms at the link in bio.

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