Prevent Blood Clots

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Prevent Blood Clots

Last updated: July 13, 2024

Blood clots can often be prevented. The best ways to prevent blood clots include:

Know your risk for blood clots.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Tell your doctor if you have risk factors for blood clots.
Before any surgery, talk with your doctor about blood clots.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you do have any symptoms of a blood clot. Blood clots can be safely treated.

Other steps you can take to reduce your risk for blood clots:

It’s important to know your family history. Tell your doctor and other family members if you learn that there is a history of blood clots among your relatives.
If you have to be confined to a bed in a hospital or at home following surgery or due to illness or paralysis, ask your doctor what options exist to prevent blood clots.
Get up and move if you’ve been sitting for a long time or traveling for a long time by plane, train, or car. Stand up, walk around, and stretch your legs every two to three hours.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise as directed by your doctor.
Don’t smoke/vape or take steps to quit smoking/vaping.

Learn More

The most important thing you can do to prevent blood clots is to learn if you are at risk. Learn more about blood clot risks here: Know Your Risk

There are several important signs and symptoms of blood clots: Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots

Connect with others who have experienced a blood clot here: Patient Stories

Current News

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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.

☀️There’s no denying that Florida is making

☀️There’s no denying that Florida is making significant strides in protecting people from life-threatening blood clots.

With the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, Florida is the first state in the nation to pass a measure aimed at tracking the impact of blood clots on residents. The legislation awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature to officially become Florida law.

This will lead to valuable data that will shape research and policy for many decades to come, saving lives in Florida and around the world.

Florida is also home to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, the most recent hospital to achieve the NBCA VTE Center of Excellence™ designation, adding to the growing network of institutions that set the standard for VTE care.

Thanks to the Sunshine State’s commitment to blood clot education, early detection, and prevention, the vision behind the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act is already coming to fruition.

“The Emily Adkins Family Protection Act is a powerful validation of the work so many of us have dedicated ourselves to in VTE prevention and care,” said Dr. Rohit Amin, Interventional Cardiologist and Co-Director of the PE/DVT Team at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola.

We’re also excited to celebrate an upcoming Center of Excellence designation in Northern Florida next week — stay tuned!

🔗Learn more about the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, our Centers of Excellence, and how Florida is leading the way: stoptheclot.org/news

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #EmilyAdkins #BloodClotLegislation #FloridaLegislation #CentersOfExcellence #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotAwareness

After knee surgery while on the combined pill, Jul

After knee surgery while on the combined pill, Julia developed a DVT that led to a life-threatening PE. She ignored early warning signs until she suddenly struggled to breathe and was rushed to the hospital.

Along with her physical recovery, Julia faced the mental health impact of her experience, including PTSD, but she came through with a new appreciation for life. 👉 Swipe through to read her story.

If you’ve experienced a blood clot, did it change how you view life? Tell us in the comments.

Join our May PEP Talk on women and blood clots on Tuesday, May 13. Register at the 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #APS #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #BloodClotAwareness #PTSD

If you’re a woman who has experienced blood clot

If you’re a woman who has experienced blood clots or has a family history of blood clots, you won’t want to miss our special Women’s Health Month PEP Talk on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

We’ll be discussing a range of important topics, including medical gaslighting; the mental health impact of a blood clot diagnosis; managing side effects such as heavy menstrual bleeding on anticoagulants; the safety of hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy for individuals with a personal or family history of blood clots; and much more.

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, will serve as our medical expert.

Join us for this informative discussion, and bring your questions!

🔗Register: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #WomenAndBloodClots #KnowYourRisk #PEPTalk #MedicalGaslighting #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotWebinar

Today is National Nurses Day, and we’re honoring

Today is National Nurses Day, and we’re honoring the hardworking and knowledgeable nurses who help prevent, recognize, and treat blood clots every day.

At NBCA, we’re grateful for the nurses who provide critical education, advocate for patients, and save lives through early detection and care. Thank you for all you do to support those impacted by blood clots.

Has a nurse made a positive impact in your life? Tell us in the comments!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #NationalNursesWeek #NursesRock #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotPrevention

Did you know that a blood clot can cause a stroke?

Did you know that a blood clot can cause a stroke?

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and not all strokes are the same. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare type of stroke — accounting for approximately 0.5 to 1 percent of all strokes worldwide — caused by a blood clot in the brain’s venous sinuses, which prevents blood from draining out of the brain.

CVST can happen at any age, although they’re most prevalent in women under 50 years old. CVST is commonly linked to estrogen exposure from birth control, pregnancy, postpartum, and hormone therapy.

Symptoms can develop gradually over days or appear suddenly. They may vary depending on where the clot forms and how much pressure builds in the brain. Here are the key symptoms of CVST:

- Severe headache (this is the most common symptom, often worsening over time or different from a typical headache)
- Blurred or double vision
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness (especially on one side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness

If you’ve experienced CVST, you’re not alone. Read the stories of others who have also endured this condition at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #NationalStrokeAwarenessMonth #WomensHealthMonth #CVST #BrainClot #BloodClotAwareness

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

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