• Ask your doctor how to prevent blood clots when you are at home.
• Discuss the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
• Make sure you know what to do if you experience the signs or symptoms of a blood clot.

• Follow instructions and take medication as prescribed.
• Move around. If confined to bed or a wheelchair, have someone help you move your arms and legs.
• The risks for blood clots remain 90 days after a hospital stay or surgery. Notify your doctor if you experience signs or symptoms of blood clots.

Check risk factors that apply to you and discuss with doctor:

• Hospitalization, physical trauma, surgery
• Lack of mobility, inactive lifestyle
• Pregnancy and up to 3 months after the baby is born
• Cancer and its treatment
• Family or personal history of blood clots
• Birth control or hormone therapy with estrogen
• Smoking
• Overweight
• Age 55 or older
• Long-term medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, or diabetes

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blood clot signs or symptoms:

Blood clots in the legs or arms:

• Swelling of your leg or arm
• Pain or tenderness not caused by injury
• Skin that is warm to the touch or red or discolored
  

Blood clots in the lungs:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain, worsens with a deep breath
• Coughing, or coughing up blood
• Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat