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